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Passamaquoddy Bay & LNG

LNG import capacity oversupply reported — The Quoddy Tides, Eastport, ME

The LNG Journal, the world's leading liquefied natural gas (LNG) publication, reports that North America faces an LNG regasification terminal overbuild. According to the publication, the East Coast of North America is facing a significant oversupply of LNG import capacity because of a shortage of supply.

Adam Wilson, deputy project manager for Quoddy Bay LNG, says the overbuild for LNG terminals is true in the Gulf area of the U.S., but there are not a sufficient number of import terminals on the East Coast or West Coast. Quoddy Bay would provide LNG, from its proposed terminal at Pleasant Point, for the New England area, where there is only one import terminal, located near Boston. Wilson believes the New England area could accommodate two additional terminals. [Red emphasis added.] (Mar 28)

Webmaster's Comments: We're glad to learn that Adam Wilson believes only two LNG import facilities besides the one at Everett, Massachusetts, is needed. But, we're surprised that Quoddy Bay LNG's Adam Wilson doesn't know about the three new terminals already finished or being built to supply New England: (1) Excelerate Energy's Northeast Gateway LNG (offshore from Gloucester, MA) that is completed and ready for its first LNG cargo, (2) Suez's Neptune (also offshore from Gloucester) that will receive its first cargo near the end of 2009, and (3) Canaport (Saint John, New Brunswick) that is over 60% complete, due for completion near the end of 2008, that will send most of its natural gas to New England.

Quoddy Bay LNG makes a perfect argument against building their own project and any other LNG terminals in Passamaquoddy Bay.

Quoddy Bay seeks pre-hearing delay — The Quoddy Tides, Eastport, ME

According to Smith, "FERC is considering the revised tariff of Maritimes and Northeast Pipeline on gas quality specifications and otherwise considering the impact of LNG on pipeline gas quality, including issues such as maximum nitrogen content. These issues may have an impact on our facility, and we believe that monitoring these issues will require additional time before a final position is possible."

According to Marylee Hanley, spokesperson for Maritimes and Northeast Pipeline, the company has not submitted any revised tariff requests to FERC. [Red and bold emphasis added.] (Mar 28)

Webmaster's Comments: This is the second time that Quoddy Bay LNG has been caught telling a falsehood about Maritimes & Northeast Pipeline (M&NE). The previous time, Quoddy Bay LNG claimed they were in negotiations with M&NE for pipeline capacity. M&NE responded that they had had no communications with any of the Passamaquoddy Bay LNG developers regarding obtaining pipeline capacity.

Concerns voiced about new Downeast LNG pipeline route — The Quoddy Tides, Eastport, ME

Pleasant Point Passamaquoddy Chief Richard Phillips Doyle wrote, "The Passamaquoddy Tribe has grave concern regarding potential environmental impacts the proposed pipeline may incur, both during construction and while under use. Of special concern is that the St. Croix River has one of the only existing Atlantic salmon runs in the U.S., and any construction activity may impair the movement of the adult salmon from Passamaquoddy Bay into the St. Croix or the salmon smolts returning from the river into the ocean."

The Bureau of Indian Affairs is expressing concerns that the siting of the proposed pipeline route may have impacts on unknown cultural sites through ground disturbance and tunneling activities. (Mar 28)

Webmaster's Comments: Chief Doyle also pointed out that the proposed pipeline would go beneath islands owned by the tribe. Since eminent domain cannot be used against government property, this may require Downeast LNG to come up with yet another — a seventh — route proposal.

Altered LNG plan still ignites opposition — The Boston Globe, Boston, MA

"The governor and I remain concerned about public safety and will review the proposal carefully," said Ian A. Bowles, secretary of the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs. "It's just too early to say." (Mar 29)

Long Island Sound LNG plan approved — The Quoddy Tides, Eastport, ME

Not everyone approves of the FERC decision. Following the approval, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation filed comments with FERC regarding the final Environmental Impact Statement for the terminal proposal. Incoming New York Governor David Paterson has said he may seek additional time to study the proposal. Three members of the Connecticut state legislature released a report denouncing the proposed Broadwater project. (Mar 28)

US high court: Delaware can block BP LNG terminal — Reuters

The high court's 6-2 ruling is a setback to BP's plan to build the Crown Landing terminal to offload super-cooled liquefied natural gas from tanker ships. BP was not a party to the case.

In the court's majority opinion, Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg rejected New Jersey's claim of exclusive jurisdiction over any project that begins on the state's shore and extends into the river.

US Supreme Court rules in favor of Delaware in LNG siting dispute — Platts

The state of Delaware "acted within the scope of its governing authority" when it refused to allow construction of the Crown Landing liquefied natural gas import terminal in New Jersey, the US Supreme Court found Monday.

FERC grants extension to Corpus Christi LNG — LNG Law Blog, Washington, DC

FERC granted an extension Friday to Corpus Christi LNG for construction and operation of its terminal and pipeline facilities. Cheniere Energy subsidiary Corpus Christi LNG LP cited LNG market conditions, including delays of liquefaction projects around the world, in its application for the extension of time.

US LNG imports fall to 24.2 Bcf in March, PanEurasian says — Platts

Prices in Asian markets have been as high as $18 this year for LNG from sources that would normally send LNG to the US, PanEurasian said.

US summer LNG requirements up in air after quiet winter: analyst — Platts

On March 3, Pan EurAsian said US imports of LNG in February were the lowest for any February in the last four years. [Red emphasis added.] (Mar 28)

LNGTSS White Paper -- LNG safety & need: NEPA & states trump FERC — Quoddy Google Group

Since the Energy Policy Act of 2005, what has existed is a heretofore- unrealized balance of power between states and FERC. States have authority that they haven't realized -- a power that can be used when appropriate to deny LNG facilities that threaten human safety. (Mar 28)

Webmaster's Comments: A "white paper" is a statement of policy.

Re: Altered Weaver Cove LNG plan still ignites opposition — LNGsafety Yahoo Group

This is the same absurd approach proposed by Quoddy Bay LNG in eastern Maine and reveals similar evidence of poor site selection and desperate, unschooled thinking.

One has to wonder if Mr. Shearer is driven not by a lust for LNG, but a vendetta against the Fall River residents and their elected representative who have so steadfastly opposed his misguided plans.

An LNG Terminal Siting Standards Organization white paper — The Maritime Executive, Fort Lauderdale, FL

Since the Energy Policy Act of 2005, what has existed is a heretofore-unrealized balance of power between states and FERC. States have authority that they haven’t realized -- a power that can be used when appropriate to deny LNG facilities that threaten human safety. (Mar 27)

Advocates say NEPA, states trump FERC on LNG safety issues — Energy Current, Houston, TX

LNGTSS concludes that, prior to subjecting citizens, communities, states and the federal government to effort and great expense on projects that may be superfluous or even harmful, FERC should be required by Congress to recognize and respect these same issues. "It's time for the public to demand that their federal delegates require FERC to act responsibly regarding need and safety, and to adopt SIGTTO LNG terminal siting standards."

LNGTSS is an advocacy group based in Maine that promotes the position that governments should require the existing SIGTTO LNG terminal siting standards be held as the minimum threshold for local, state/province, and federal application consideration.

SIGTTO is a London-based international body established for the exchange of technical information and experience, between members of the industry, to enhance the safety and operational reliability of gas tankers and terminals. The Society publishes studies and produces information papers and works of reference for the guidance of industry members. It maintains working relationships with other industry bodies, governmental and intergovernmental agencies, including IMO, to better promote the safety and integrity of gas transportation and storage schemes. [Red emphasis added.] (Mar 27)

Energy Current: FERC doesn't have last word on LNG terminal safety — California LNG News, Google Groups

[California LNG News Editor's note: This article is from the Energy Current news site. While it discusses FERC, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, it does not address the two offshore LNG projects off California that are under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Commerce Department's Maritime Administration. The same points apply, however.] (Mar 27)

What will power Maine? — Bangor Daily News, Bangor, ME

Glenn Poole, manufacturing support manager at Verso Paper, said he and Bucksport Energy pay a lot more for natural gas than other states. He said he also is in favor of the LNG terminals proposed in Washington County.

Dean Girdis, president of Downeast LNG, said an increased supply of natural gas is the easiest short-term response to energy demands. Regional demand for natural gas is the major reason for his decision to propose a terminal in Robbinston, he said.

Webmaster's Comments: What the article, Verso Paper, and Dean Girdis want the reader to overlook is that demand will already be met by the three already-permitted new LNG facilities: Northeast Energy Bridge off Gloucester, MA, that is ready to accept its first cargo; Canaport in Saint John, NB, that will receive its first cargo around the end of 2008; and Suez LNG terminal off Gloucester, MA, that will receive its first cargo near the end of 2009.

Downeast LNG, Quoddy Bay LNG, and Calais LNG have all been badly beaten in the race to supply LNG to the Northeast — so badly beaten that they had lost before they entered the race. In 2005, FERC Chairman Pat Wood stated that only 7–9 new LNG terminals would be needed, plus expansions. Currently, there are 31 terminals and peak shaving facilities either in operation, under construction or expansion, or permitted. LNG import capability, in operation or about to be, is already way over US market requirements.

And, of course, the proposed projects on Passamaquoddy Bay violate the LNG industry's own terminal siting standards. (See SIGTTO.)

Alternate plan floated for LNG terminal — AP, Yahoo Finance

Hess LNG Unit Floats Alternate Plan for Offshore Fall River Berth

Under the new plan, a berthing structure would be built in Mount Hope Bay about a mile from the nearest shore and two miles south of the Braga Bridge.

A four-mile LNG pipeline would be buried in a trench beneath portions of Mount Hope Bay and Taunton River leading to an LNG storage and processing terminal located on the banks of the river.

Advocates, elected officials and local residents were unimpressed with the new plan.

Webmaster's Comments: Shades of Quoddy Bay LNG's cryogenic Perry-to-Robbinston plan.

Hess Energy fails to understand that even their new proposed berth violates SIGTTO standards for LNG terminal siting.

Weaver’s Cove offers new plan — The Providence Journal, Providence, RI

The company said it will soon file the plan with federal energy regulators in the hopes that it will be better received than its widely opposed plan to build an LNG terminal in Fall River.

The Weaver’s Cove proposal to build the Fall River LNG terminal was conditionally approved by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission in 2005, despite widespread opposition from elected officials in Rhode Island and Massachusetts, as well as citizens groups and residents near the proposed facility. But the proposal met a major setback when the U.S. Coast Guard found that it was too risky to allow LNG tankers to traverse parts of the Taunton River because of two bridges that are close together. (Mar 27)

Taking of marine mammals incidental to specified activities; Operation of an LNG facility in Massachusetts Bay — Trading Markets, Sherman Oaks, CA

An authorization shall be granted if NMFS finds that the taking will have a negligible impact on the species or stock(s) and will not have an unmitigable adverse impact on the availability of the species or stock(s) for certain subsistence uses, and if the permissible methods of taking and requirements pertaining to the mitigation, monitoring and reporting of such takings are set forth. NMFS has defined "negligible impact" in 50 CFR 216.103 as "...an impact resulting from the specified activity that cannot be reasonably expected to, and is not reasonably likely to, adversely affect the species or stock through effects on annual rates of recruitment or survival."(i) any act that injures or has the significant potential to injure a marine mammal or marine mammal stock in the wild [Level A harassment]; or (ii) any act that disturbs or is likely to disturb a marine mammal or marine mammal stock in the wild by causing disruption of natural behavioral patterns, including, but not limited to, migration, surfacing, nursing, breeding, feeding, or sheltering, to a point where such behavioral patterns are abandoned or significantly altered [Level B harassment]. (Mar 27)

Chesapeake Energy puts Louisiana gas find at 7.5 Tcfe to 20 Tcfe — Platts

US producer Chesapeake Energy Tuesday put the potential size of its new natural gas discovery in the Haynesville Shale in northern Louisiana at 7.5 Tcf-equivalent-20 Tcfe and said it has identified five unconventional oil plays in four US states that could provide the company with up to 1 billion barrels of crude. (Mar 27)

Sabine Pass cool down LNG cargo en route — Energy Current, Houston, TX

NIGERIA/USA/GULF OF MEXICO: Cheniere Energy, Inc. reports that the LNG carrier Celestine River vessel has departed from the Nigeria LNG terminal at Bonny Island with the first cargo of liquefied natural gas destined for the Sabine Pass LNG terminal.

The vessel is expected to arrive around April 12 and deliver the cargo for Sabine Pass's "cool down" process, which will cool the terminal to its normal operating temperature.

Sabine Pass LNG will be the largest LNG receiving terminal in North America by regasification capacity at 4 Bcf/d and will have 16.8 Bcf of LNG storage capacity with two berths capable of handling the largest LNG vessels.  It is located in Cameron Parish, Louisiana, on 853 acres of land remote from dense population centers and only 3.7 miles (5.9 km) from the open waters of the Gulf of Mexico.  (Mar 27)

Cheniere says first LNG cargo to Sabine Pass terminal has sailed — Platts

The Sabine Pass LNG terminal has capacity of 2.6 Bcf/d, but Cheniere plans to expand that to 4.3 Bcf/d by next year, making it the largest LNG receiving terminal in North America. (Mar 27)

LNG terminal appealed — The World, Coos Bay, OR

The opponents of a liquefied natural gas terminal proposed for Coos Bay’s North Spit have offered three reasons to overturn the project’s land-use application.

Asian spot LNG finds support at $14/MMBtu despite end of winter — Platts

Asian buyers hoping for a rapid fall in spot prices with the end of winter have been disappointed by levels that are only slightly below the March level of around $15/MMBtu, sources said.

Webmaster's Comments: Asia continue to out-bid US LNG buyers.

LNG safety & need: NEPA & states trump FERC [White paper] — LNG Terminal Siting Standards Organization, Eastport, ME

Since FERC ignores need in its permitting, and fails to adequately protect human environment, states can use the authority provided by NEPA to establish a permitting threshold. If LNG terminal applicants cannot satisfy SIGTTO LNG terminal siting standards, and prove need, then there is an a priori failure to meet NEPA requirements. States can refuse to allow the applicant to enter the permitting process, or can issue a summary decision against the project. [Red emphasis added.] (Mar 26)

Legislators push for $1M in port security — Gloucester Daily Times, Gloucester, MA

Faced with mounting port security costs and a fiscal crunch, Mayor Carolyn Kirk and Massachusetts senators are pushing for $1 million in federal funds to beef up port security for the city, citing a number of threats to the city's safety.

According to the letter, city officials have estimated that costs associated with growing homeland security requirements increase by $1 million each year. [Red & bold emphasis added.]

Hess LNG plans take another hit — The Herald News, Fall River, MA

Fall River — Two offices under the state Department of Environmental Protection have rejected a plan by Weaver’s Cove Energy to build a liquefied natural gas terminal, dredge part of the Taunton River and install a pipeline under the river to deliver gas.

The Bureau of Resource Protection and Wetlands and Waterways Program both issued decisions on March 10 to Weaver’s Cove.

Weaver’s Cove “failed to demonstrate that the project serves a proper public purpose that provides greater benefits than detriments to rights of the public,” Wetlands and Waterways Program Director Lealdon Langley said in the decision. (Mar 24)

Webmaster's Comments: Even though FERC issued a permit for the Weaver's Cove LNG terminal, the Coast Guard has rejected it — and now, two offices of Massachusetts' Department of the Environment have rejected it.

This demonstrates that, despite FERC's bluster to the contrary, state authority trumps FERC.

Supply concerns thwart Cacouna LNG plans — The Globe and Mail, Toronto, ON

OTTAWA -- The partners in the planned $1-billion liquefied natural gas terminal in Gros-Cacouna, Que., are applying the brakes at the project, citing a lack of secure gas supply to feed the plant.

"The critical issue is access to long-term, stable supplies," said analyst Ira Joseph at PIRA Energy consultants in New York. "There are not enough suppliers for all the regasification terminals [being planned] around the world." He said most suppliers are targeting the rapidly growing Asian market, where the price for imported natural gas is about 50 per cent higher than in North America.

Webmaster's Comments: This is simply more evidence of what's going on with the LNG industry: too much import capacity in North America, higher-paying customers in Asia.

FERC Commissioner: Both federal and state authorities play important roles in siting energy projects — LNG Law Blog, Washington, DC

In a statement released with FERC's conditional approval of the Broadwater Energy project, FERC Commissioner Marc Spitzer said that he is "deeply respectful of state jurisdiction."

FERC ignores complaints, gives LNG terminal OK [Editorial] — Stamford Times, Stamford, CT

We just knew it would happen, despite the objections from Connecticut and New York state and the U.S. Coast Guard. [Red & bold emphasis added.]

LNG site OK’d despite shortage — The Providence Journal, Providence, RI

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission on Thursday approved a liquefied natural gas terminal for Long Island Sound even though the United States will have almost four times more import capacity than it can use by 2012 because of a shortfall in fuel supply, according to a report from consultant PFC Energy.

“This is a very large overbuild,” said Terrell Benke, manager of the upstream oil and gas group at PFC Energy and one of the authors of the report. “You’ve had regasification terminals that were built without dedicated supply behind them.” (Mar 23)

Webmaster's Comments: Like the multiplying brooms in the Sourcer's Apprentice, FERC is approving LNG terminals as fast as it can, regardless of need, safety, or logic.

FERC approves Broadwater LNG project — Marine Log, New York, NY

A yoke mooring system, which will be incorporated in the bow section of Broadwater's FSRU, will moor the FSRU to a fixed tower and allow the FSRU to pivot, or "weathervane," around the tower and to withstand events exceeding 100-year storm conditions.

The project would include eight LNG storage tanks capable of storing the equivalent of 8 Bcf of regasified LNG, a regasification plant and a 21.7 mile long pipeline extending from the LNG terminal to a subsea interconnection with the Iroquois Gas Transmission System which will bring the gas onshore. (Mar 21)

LNG barge approved — Edmonton Journal, Edmonton, AB

Broadwater is "one of the most difficult" liquefied-natural-gas projects in the U.S., Jamie Webster, senior consultant at PFC Energy, said in a March 17 interview.

"We question whether Broadwater will actually be built," he said, noting that pipeline companies are seeking to fill the need for delivering more gas into the region.

Webster also questioned whether TransCanada or Shell have adequate access to liquefied-natural-gas cargo ships to keep the facility operating at sufficient capacity to make it economic. (Mar 21)

Quintana residents maintain dialogue with LNG — The Facts, Clute, TX

Most questions, like if the site’s massive electric fans are noisy, won’t be answered until island residents find out for themselves once the site is up and running, Henry said. [Red emphasis added.] (Mar 26)

Webmaster's Comments: After an LNG terminal is constructed is an exceedingly tardy time for the neighboring public to learn about the problems that the terminal will produce.

First onshore US LNG port in 25 yrs nears startup — Reuters

FREEPORT, Texas, March 25 (Reuters) — Freeport LNG import terminal hopes to receive its first liquefied natural gas cargo by the end of April and be commercially open for business by June 1, officials told a kickoff briefing Tuesday.

Another terminal, 90 miles northeast near Port Arthur, also is very near completion and running a close race with Freeport for startup.

When finished, the two will lead a parade of terminal startups that will double U.S. LNG import capacity in about 18 months. (Mar 25)

Clatsop County voters recall commissioner who supported LNG terminal — The Daily News, Longview, WA

Tuesday's results showed 65 percent of the voters opted to remove Lee, 72, whom recall organizers accused of failing to follow rules on permits and using his position to seek special treatment.

Webmaster's Comments: Like many other proposed LNG projects in the US and Canada, the project sites on the Columbia River were carelessly selected and cannot pass SIGTTO world-class LNG terminal siting standards.

Bradwood Landing LNG terminal moves forward, drawing referendum effort — The Forest Grove News-Times, Forest Grove, OR

Opposition groups aim for September ballot in an effort derail LNG development. (Mar 21)

Onshore gas discovery could lessen U.S. demand for LNG — LNG Law Blog, Washington, DC

Aubrey McClendon, CEO of Chesapeake Energy, told Platts LNG Daily that he believes that Chesapeake's large natural gas discovery in northern Louisiana could lessen demand for LNG imports to the United States. [Red emphasis added.]

NATS: LNG expected to be available for U.S. summer demand — LNG Law Blog, Washington, DC

In its LNG Week in Review, NATS predicts that as winter weather abates in the Northern Hemisphere, LNG demand in Japan, South Korea, and Spain will decline, which will allow some LNG cargos to reach the United States. (Mar 26)

Report: New LNG terminals and other infrastructure projects will change gas flows and prices — LNG Law Blog, Washington, DC

The report predicts that excess pipeline and storage capacity will divert gas from existing pipelines, changing downstream prices, and that LNG imports in the Gulf of Mexico will increase volatility at Henry Hub. [Red emphasis added.] (Mar 26)

North America facing LNG regasification terminal overbuild — PFC Energy, Washington, DC

The east coast of North America is faced with a significant oversupply of LNG import capacity which will persist well into the next decade. PFC Energy forecasts that as new terminals are constructed the capacity will exceed the supply available from producers in the Atlantic Basin and Middle East with a gap between regasification capacity and available LNG as great as 90 mmtpa (4.35 tcf) by 2012. This gap will shrink over the longer term, but by 2017 is still expected to be around 50 mmtpa (2.4 tcf). [Red and bold emphasis added.] (Mar 18)

Parent page to the above article: PFC Energy Press & News

Webmaster's Comments: Too much LNG import capacity. On the East Coast. Downeast LNG, Quoddy Bay LNG, and Calais LNG are fighting reality, wasting money on surplus projects.

Groups opposing LNG pipeline — Bangor Daily News, Bangor, ME

The Baileyville Utilities District sent a letter stating that the pipeline route is on wellhead protection land and stands 400 feet closer to a production well than previous proposed routes.

"Baileyville has an excellent water supply and I do not want to see anything happen to it. If something should happen, we have nowhere else to go to get a sufficient supply," Gardner Rolfe, manager of the district, said in the March 13 letter. [Red emphasis added.]

Webmaster's Comments: In addition, since LNG pipeline eminent domain cannot be applied to government property, and since the pipeline would pass beneath the Passamaquoddy Tribe's islands — against their will, as expressed in comments to FERC by Pleasant Point Passamaquoddy Tribal Chief Rick Doyle — it appears that Downeast LNG's takeaway pipeline route option 6 is impossible, and the project is once again without a viable pipeline.

[Grassy Point, Placentia Bay] Environmental protection plan received [News release] — Environment and Conservation, Government of Newfoundland and Labrador

[Grassy Point Liquefied Natural Gas Transshipment Terminal, Newfoundland LNG Limited] has submitted an Environmental Protection Plan (EPP) as required by the Minister of Environment and Conservation as one of the conditions of release from the environmental assessment review on January 19, 2007. Public comments on the EPP must be received by April 23, 2008. (Mar 20)

LI needs LNG guarantees [Editorial] — Newsday, New York, NY

…. Broadwater has been sold to the public on the promise that it would lower prices and fulfill increasing energy demands. Promises aren't enough, however; Paterson needs to get written guarantees. A recent study by a strategic energy firm forecasts that LNG terminals are being overbuilt, and capacity will exceed supply. Such a tight market means that LNG tankers could be diverted to Asia and Europe, where they are more likely to get higher prices. [Red emphasis added.] (Mar 24)

N.Y. State Department of Environmental Conservation files comments on Broadwater FEIS — LNG Law Blog, Washington, DC

The comments are critical of the FEIS' conclusions on the potential aquatic and air quality impacts of the project. (Mar 21)

FERC OKs LNG terminal in Long Island Sound — Reuters

"This decision is an important step forward in bringing new clean, reliable, affordable natural gas supply to a region where prices are volatile and climbing," said John Hritcko, Broadwater Senior Vice President.

Connecticut Attorney General Richard Blumenthal called the terminal an "environmental atrocity" and an "unneeded abomination." He said he would immediately ask FERC to hold a rehearing on its decision and will fight the project all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court, if necessary. (Mar 20)

Webmaster's Comments: There is evidence to the contrary that this terminal will bring natural gas prices down. Additionally, calling natural gas a "clean" fuel is an overstatement.

Connecticut A.G. pledges to appeal FERC decision on Broadwater LNG proposal — LNG Law Blog, Washington, DC

He said in a statement, "I will fight this project at every agency and in every court up to the U.S. Supreme Court, if necessary."

Connecticut AG promises 'all-out' court battle over Broadwater — Platts

Blumenthal said the "fatal flaw" in FERC's order is its "refusal to consider alternatives to Broadwater that would provide more natural gas with less danger to public safety and environmental resources."

…. "I recently wrote New York Gov. David Paterson, urging him to drive a stake through this monster's heart." (Mar 21)

FERC issues DEIS for Florida LNG storage facility — LNG Law Blog, Washington, DC

Last week FERC issued a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for a peak-shaving facility proposed by Floridian Gas Storage. The proposed facility would have a storage capacity of 4 Bcf.

Puerto Rico's EcoEléctrica LNG seeks to modify original FERC order allowing construction of its LNG terminal — LNG Law Blog, Washington, DC

Specifically, the firm is seeking to use an existing stub natural gas pipeline, located on the facility's property, to deliver gas to the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority's proposed Gasoducto del Sur pipeline, and to construct an additional LNG vaporization system. (Mar 24)

Governor Palin: Value of Alaska's LNG exports to Japan down substantially in 2007 — LNG Law Blog, Washington, DC

Late last week, Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin (R) announced that … the value of the state's LNG exports from its Kenai LNG liquefaction facility was … down 39.7% from the previous year.

Who can be surprised? [Editorial] — The Daily Astorian, Astoria, OR

Wrote the RG [The Register-Guard of Eugene, OR]: "Free market competition can be a powerful and productive force. But unless it is harnessed to long-range regional energy planning, it can result in duplication, inefficiency and unwarranted environmental costs. Whether Oregon and the Northwest need more natural gas, and how it should be obtained, shouldn't be decided solely by the companies that are proposing the terminals and pipelines. Federal regulators, working closely with the states, should play a central role."

Our county commission's hastiness and its rejection of a thorough staff study and recommendations is an insult to the collective intelligence of this county. Those who push LNG as economic development miss the negative enormity of what this project represents. [Red emphasis added.]

Clatsop County preps for referendum on gas pipeline — Willamette Week, Portland, OR

“The county is already bending backwards to accommodate NorthernStar. This is going too far for a lot of people here. Now we are willing to let them trench across our parks?” says Auerbach, chair of the Northwest Property Rights Group—one of the major backers of a referendum to get the amendment revoked. (Mar 24)

County Dems oppose LNG — The World, Coos Bay, OR

The group opposes the project for several reasons. It noted the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has failed to provide an independent assessment of the demand for natural gas in the state.

Also, LNG ships would disrupt commercial and recreational fishing and fish habitat would be lost as a result of the construction. Finally, the group suggested the terminal would be a detriment because importing natural gas would not help Oregon meet its goal of having 25 percent of its energy produced by renewable sources by 2025. (Mar 24)

County: Yes to LNG — The Daily Astorian, Astoria, OR

Pandemonium continued as the board struggled to decide how to resolve disagreement between local emergency response agencies and Bradwood Landing project developer NorthernStar Natural Gas Co. on what resources the company should provide to cover the added public safety costs of LNG.

After more than six months of discussion, the company hasn't gotten the agencies to agree to its offers of money and equipment. [Red emphasis added.] (Mar 21)

Sempra Energy's Costa Azul LNG terminal on track to completion — Energy Business Review, London, UK

Bloomberg noted that the Sempra liquefied natural gas (LNG) facility will be the first LNG import terminal on the west coast of North America and the company has already bought two cargoes of LNG to start operations at the terminal. (Mar 21)

MapleLNG applies to build $700m gas terminal — The Chronicle Herald, Halifax, NS

The terminal, which would employ 40 people, will regasify liquefied natural gas brought to the site by ship. The gas will be carried to North American markets via the nearby Maritimes and Northeast pipeline.

MapleLNG and Keltic haven’t contracted gas supplies for their respective projects, but Mr. Simpkins said potential suppliers wouldn’t enter into serious negotiations until the projects received all the required approvals, including the federal environmental approvals. (Mar 14)

Webmaster's Comments: They haven't contracted LNG supplies, because they don't have their permits. On the other hand, Quoddy Bay LNG's Brian Smith wants the world to believe that Quoddy Bay LNG — without any kind of permit — needs to delay its Maine environmental permitting because it's negotiating with LNG suppliers, and it doesn't yet know the Btu content of its gas supply.

Proposed LNG import terminals can't determine the Btu content of their imported LNG, since LNG suppliers won't deal with LNG terminal speculators — especially those who aren't currently operating any LNG terminal anywhere in the world — until they obtain the required government permits.

North American LNG import capacity to exceed supply: consultant — Platts

Liquefied natural gas import capacity along the east coast of North America substantially will outpace available supply from producers in the Atlantic Basin and Middle East, Washington-based consultant PFC Energy said in a new report.

…import capacity will exceed available supply by as much as 4.35 Tcf by 2012. [Red emphasis added.] (Mar 19)

Webmaster's Comments: Industry experts — not industry opponents — are stating that additional projects, like Downeast LNG, Quoddy Bay LNG, and Calais LNG, are excess baggage.

Connecticut governor slams FERC's Broadwater LNG project approval — Platts

The US Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's decision Thursday to approve the Broadwater liquefied natural gas import terminal "is nothing short of a disgrace," Connecticut Governor Jodi Rell said Thursday.

The approval "is an insult to the people of Connecticut and New York, a discourtesy to New York Governor David Paterson -- who has been in office less than a week -- and an assault on the most precious environmental asset our two states possess: the reinvigorated Long Island Sound," Rell added.

"In every instance, FERC has ignored common sense; worse, it steadfastly has ignored its responsibility to safeguard the common good," Rell said. "Broadwater is indefensible on any basis but greed -- there is no need for this project from an energy policy standpoint and no need for this project from a market standpoint." [Red emphasis added.]

Webmaster's Comments: Gov. Rell is correct that there's no need for the Broadwater project. The number of LNG import terminals and peak-shaving facilities in operation, with permits, being expanded, and under construction — not including Broadwater — number 30, plus Canadian and Mexican terminals that will be sending regasified LNG to the US. US LNG import and regasification capacity is already considerably more than is needed — even according to former FERC Chairman Wood, who stated in 2005 that only 7–9 import terminals would be needed, along with expansions.

Broadwater, just like Downeast LNG, Quoddy Bay LNG, and Calais LNG, are indefensible.

Panaroni adds voice to condemnation of Broadwater — Branford Review, Guilford, CT

Rep. Peter Panaroni (D-Branford) joined the co-chairs of the state's Long Island Sound LNG Task Force, State Sen. Len Fasano (R-North Haven) and State Sen. Andrea Stillman (D-Waterford), to denounce the proposed Broadwater project, which would place an enormous floating liquid natural gas (LNG) platform in the waters of Long Island Sound.

"Broadwater and FERC have both failed in their attempts to demonstrate a real energy need requiring the construction of the world's largest floating LNG facility in the middle of one of our nation's most precious and environmentally fragile natural resources. In that respect, the work of this task force has exposed an unsettling truth — that the Broadwater project has always been more about corporate greed than about real energy solutions," said Fasano. "It is my hope that the state of New York will heed our warning and reject the Broadwater project."

Stillman added, "The Broadwater proposal has never been anything more than a poorly conceived, band-aid solution to the comprehensive, long-term energy needs of the region; FERC's shoddy prosecution of the many objections we raised betrays its single-mindedness about Broadwater approval and a contemptible lack of a sound national energy plan. (Mar 19)

FERC approves Broadwater LNG project subject to safety, environmental measures [News Release] — Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC)

“We have reviewed the record in the Broadwater LNG proceeding and have considered carefully the concerns of the many citizens who have commented on the project,” FERC Chairman Joseph T. Kelliher said. “Based on all available scientific facts, we approve the Broadwater project today, subject to rigorous conditions, because it can meet the projected energy needs for New York City, Long Island and Connecticut, and can provide the service safely, securely and with limited adverse impact on the environment.”

Prior to installation activities in Long Island Sound, FERC also will require Broadwater to file the New York State Department of State determination of the project’s consistency with the New York Coastal Management Plan, under the applicable provisions of the Coastal Zone Management Act.

Feds OK Broadwater gas barge for LI Sound — Newsday, New York, NY

But the state of New York, environmentalists or others could still halt the project.

Adrienne Esposito, executive director of Citizens Campaign for the Environment and an outspoken opponent of the project, said she was angered by the decision, but not surprised.

"We expected FERC to operate like this, but the public has a right to expect New York State to protect the public interest," Esposito said. "This means nothing until New York State makes their decision."

She added that she was most disturbed by how commissioners "not only dismissed but they mocked state and local concerns." [Red emphasis added.]

LNG study: Gas pipelines would be economic boon Cheap energy would help economy, construction workers would spend $5.6 million in county — The Hillsboro Argus, Hillsboro, OR

"LNG is notoriously expensive. Asian markets are paying much higher prices than we are," Serres said. "EcoNorthwest always makes these blanket assumptions that prices will come down 10 percent and imagine the whole rest of the economy booming. From our perspective, it's economic insanity to start to throw more money toward dead end fossil fuel infrastructure." (Mar 18)

Webmaster's Comments: LNG developers like to make statements about how much economic benefit would come to a community from their project; however, they don't mention the true economic costs to their host community's taxpayers.

Northwest gets new proposal on natural gas — The Oregonian, Portland, OR

Project partners TransCanada Corp. and Williams Cos. Inc. kicked off a process this week to gauge interest from shippers in a pipeline that would stretch 618 miles from gas basins in the Wyoming Rockies to Stanfield in Umatilla County near Pendleton. From there, gas could be pumped onto existing lines to feed customers in western Oregon and California.

Meanwhile, two Houston-based companies, Spectra Energy and El Paso Corp., have proposed building separate pipelines running from basins of the Rockies to the Oregon community of Malin near the border with California. (Mar 19)

Quickie: Judge rules Long Beach had legal right to abandon LNG project — The Cunningham Report, Long Beach, CA

Judge James Chalfant said he was acting based on the law, case history, public policy and common sense. "Everything I can think of works against you," said the judge, who rejected arguments by SES' attorneys that Long Beach harbor commissioners made an erroneous determination when they voted Jan. 22, 2007, to shut down the EIR before issuing a final document.

"It's irrelevant what the reasons are unless they are discriminatory or against the law," said Chalfant. "They have the right to make that call." (Mar 17)

Sempra's Mexico LNG plant to open in 2nd quarter — Reuters UK

Roughly half the LNG -- natural gas cooled to a liquid state for easy shipping -- is expected to supply the Mexican market, with half exported to the United States. (Mar 19)

Passamaquoddy object to Downeast LNG pipeline plan — Saint Croix Courier, St. Stephen, NB

ST. ANDREWS — Downeast LNG seems to have run into more problems with their proposed pipeline route and their critics say it's time for the developers to pack up and go home.

The Passamaquoddy Tribe is objecting to the placement of the pipeline on native land and demanding that an alternate route be found.

...the U.S. Department of Interior's Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) has filed a motion to intervene in the federal regulatory proceedings for the proposed Downeast LNG project.

In comments included with the motion, the BIA asserts that the Downeast LNG project may have an impact on the "cultural and religious interests" of the Passamaquoddy Tribe and "may also have an effect on wetland habitats and may impact the water quality and quantity in the surrounding area." [Red emphasis added.]

Webmaster's Comments: All the while Downeast LNG President Dean Girdis has been requesting "fair consideration" of his LNG terminal and pipeline project, he hasn't given fair consideration of Passamaquoddy rights; otherwise, he would have checked into who owned those islands on the St. Croix River before he planned to use them for his personal gain.

Firefighters target Menino in mailing — The Boston Globe, Boston, MA

The colorful, glossy mailer depicts a liquefied natural gas tanker sailing past the city skyline and claims the mayor has not planned properly for a potential tanker explosion.

…the mayor has long supported moving the LNG terminal offshore to decrease risk. (Mar 13)

Rell: LNG task force report 'scathing indictment' — The Day, New London, CT

Rell said in a news release Wednesday that the report concludes that the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's environmental-impact statement on the project, which favors its approval, is deeply flawed. The task force, which Rell formed 21/2 years ago, reviewed the report and other documents, conducted public hearings and heard expert testimony from scientists.

“My panel has reached three major conclusions,” Rell said. “FERC never performed a serious analysis of the potential environmental consequences; FERC undertook an absurdly limited review of the alternatives to Broadwater; and the alternatives will likely be meeting the energy needs of both Connecticut and New York before the Broadwater project is ever completed and on line.” (Mar 13)

Paterson hints at delay in Long Island Sound LNG decision — Newsday, New York, NY

Speaking to reporters in Albany during his first briefing since the resignation of Gov. Eliot Spitzer, Paterson noted that Spitzer had already delayed a decision on the controversial project until April. (Mar 13)

Coast Guard announces availability of Supplemental Environmental Assessment for Cove Point LNG terminal expansion — LNG Law Blog, Washington, DC

The  U.S. Coast Guard yesterday announced in the Federal Register that a draft supplemental Environmental Assessment related to the suitability of the waterway for the expansion of the Cove Point LNG regasification terminal is now available.

The path to LNG needs straightening — The Daily Astorian, Astoria, OR

Weston said that if a car met a truck on turn 5, there might be only one place for it to go: off the cliff. (Mar 13)

State pressures FERC to look at local concerns on LNG siting — The Daily Astorian, Astoria, OR

Congressman Peter DeFazio and his three fellow Democrats from Oregon are demanding that the federal government consider state concerns about the location of a proposed liquefied natural gas terminal.

DeFazio joined fellow representatives David Wu, Earl Blumenauer and Darlene Hooley to warn the chairman of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission about the "inadequacy" of the process to find a site. (Mar 10)

Forest Grove says no to LNG line — The Oregonian, Portland, OR

City councilors on Monday unanimously supported the resolution, which cited the project's potential danger to the ecological balance of the Columbia, to the natural resources along the pipeline route and to the water supply of Forest Grove. (Mar 12)

BIA files motion to intervene, comments on Downeast LNG proposal — LNG Law Blog, Washington, DC

The United States Department of the Interior's Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) has filed a Motion to Intervene in the federal regulatory proceedings for the proposed Downeast LNG terminal project. In comments included with the motion, the BIA asserts that the Downeast LNG project may have an impact on the "cultural and religious interests" of the Passamaquoddy Tribe and "may also have an effect on wetland habitats and may impact the water quality and quantity in the surrounding area." (Mar 5)

Government of Canada announces Environmental Assessment decision on proposed Keltic liquefied natural gas facilities and marginal wharf project [News release] — Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency

GUYSBOROUGH, March 07, 2008 – On behalf of the Honourable John Baird, Minister of the Environment and Minister responsible for the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency, the Honourable Peter Mackay, Minister of National Defence today announced that the proposed Keltic Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Facilities and Marginal Wharf project in Nova Scotia is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects. The Minister referred the project back to the responsible authorities, Transport Canada and Fisheries and Oceans Canada, for appropriate action.

Webmaster's Comments: Read the Minister of the Environment's Environmental Assessment Decision Statement.

NEB rejects portions of proposed Emera Gas pipeline route from Canaport LNG — LNG Law Blog, Washington, DC

The Canadian National Energy Board (NEB) rejected portions of the proposed route for the Emera Brunswick Pipeline project, which would transport gas from the Canaport LNG terminal in Saint John to the Canada-United States border. The rejected portions of the route would have transected property owned by Galbraith Construction and Galbraith Equipment. (Mar 6)

Ottawa okays Rabaska megaproject — The Gazette, Montreal, QC

The Rabaska Inc. consortium announced yesterday that it has received a regulatory green light from the federal government for its plans to build an $840-million liquefied natural gas port in Lévis, across the St. Lawrence from Quebec City.

The channel leading to the Rabaska port, beneath the power lines, narrows to 305 metres and water depth is 12.5 metres at low tide - a tight fit for the 315-metre-long tankers, drawing 12 metres of water, that will supply Rabaska. The liquefied natural gas will come from Gazprom, the Russian gas giant, with close ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin and his chosen successor Dimitry Medvedev. (Mar 5)

Shell seeking Broadwater sales — The Harford Courant, Hartford, CT

Even as controversy continues over the Broadwater liquefied natural gas terminal proposed for Long Island Sound, one of the companies behind the project is taking steps to sell the natural gas that would be delivered through the terminal.

Shell Energy North America said Wednesday that it will begin discussing future sales with gas distribution companies, power plants and large commercial and industrial users in Long Island, New York City and southern Connecticut.

"Shell has claimed there is a strong existing demand and market for an LNG facility in the Sound, but now 'seeks expression of interest for Broadwater natural gas sales.' In reality, Shell is seeking to invent a market, rather than respond to one," [Connecticut Attorney General Richard Blumenthal] said. [Red emphasis added.]

Group: Stop LNG expansion — Savannah Morning News, Savannah, GA

A night of worst-case scenarios about the explosion potential for the liquefied natural gas facility on Elba Island ended with a call to arms to stop the plant's expansion.

Savannah attorney Clete Bergen urged members of Citizens for Clean Air and Water to lobby local officials to approve an ordinance banning liquefied natural gas plants such as the one on Elba Island

"Since the plant was reactivated in 2000, we've received well over 200 cargos without incident," [said Bill Baerg, spokesman for El Paso]. "The crux of the expansion is to meet the energy need. Natural gas is needed in this country to fuel a growing economy."

Webmaster's Comments: "Without incident"? On 2006 March 14, while the LNG tanker Golar Freeze was unloading its cargo — while the tractor tugs were IMPROPERLY POSITIONED and the LNG docking pilot on watch on the bridge of the Golar Freeze was ASLEEP — a passing freighter's wake caused the Golar Freeze to break its moorings and it's LNG connection. That's called an "incident." (See, "River is no racetrack," Savannah Morning News, 2006 Dec 24.)

At around 1:00 AM in early June of 2006, a sailboat anchored at one of the terminal's slips, remaining unnoticed until sometime after it left at 7:00 AM — violating terminal security. That's also called an "incident." (See, "How much Elba security is enough?" Savannah Morning News, 2006 Jun 6)

In December of 2007, a crippled container ship was allowed to dock at the LNG terminal, violating appropriate security practices — another "incident." (See, "Disabled ship's 24-hour stay at LNG terminal raises security questions," Savannah Morning News, 2007 Dec 8.)

While no catastrophe occurred, the above three incidents exemplify Elba Island LNG terminal's SIGTTO LNG terminal siting standards violations — due to its proximity to the ship transit fairway, to its vulnerability to other ships' wake, to its proximity to civilians, and to its lack of appropriate security procedures. The terminal was constructed prior to establishment of world LNG terminal siting standards; however, that is no excuse to expand the terminal, creating an even greater risk to area residents.

Freeport LNG files independent assessment for Q-Flex LNG vessels — LNG Law Blog, Washington, DC

Yesterday Freeport LNG Development L.P. filed an independent assessment of potential thermal and vapor  hazards associated with using Q-Flex vessels to service the Freeport LNG terminal.

Environmental Assessment to be prepared for construction activities proposed by Trunkline LNG — LNG Law Blog, Washington, DC

FERC announced today in the Federal Register that its staff will prepare an environmental assessment to address Trunkline LNG Company LLC's proposed Pipeline Compressor Addition Project. (Mar 5)

LNG approval still one step away — The Daily Astorian, Astoria, OR

Last week, Clatsop County staff highlighted numerous problems with the 300 pages of fact findings that justify approving the project's land-use application. On Wednesday, the board of commissioners directed staff to make some changes to the supporting documents. The board will conduct a second reading of those documents prior to their final vote March 18.

Commissioner Roberts said she doesn't trust the federal LNG approval process to protect county concerns and isn't confident that NorthernStar is telling the truth about its plans to use a 36-mile pipeline to Washington rather than the proposed 120-mile Palomar Transmission line, which would cut through valuable county forestland. (Mar 5)

Spectra Energy official: Offshore LNG terminals becoming preferred over onshore facilities — LNG Law Blog, Washington, DC

Patrick Hester, associate general counsel for Spectra Energy, told an audience at a Law Seminars International conference that offshore LNG import projects are becoming more attractive to investors due to heavy opposition to onshore facilities that could delay or prohibit the projects, especially on the eastern coast of the United States. [Red emphasis added.] (Mar 5)

Analysts uncertain when U.S. LNG imports will increase — LNG Law Blog, Washington, DC

Platts LNG Daily reports that several energy consulting firms and analysts are uncertain whether LNG imports to the U.S. market will increase in the near future. (Mar 6)

ExxonMobil investment drive targets LNG — Lloyd's List, London, UD

In the next two years, ExxonMobil expects to open the Golden Pass terminal in the US, a fifth train at Qatargas II and a seventh at Ras Gas, said the company’s head of upstream operations Mark Albers.

Another large slice of investment in the next five years will be going into deepwater projects involving oil production ships and offshore tanker terminals. [Red emphasis added.]

Exxon CEO sees U.S. difficulty competing for LNG — Reuters

The U.S., from a pricing standpoint will have difficulty competing for LNG," he said, speaking to analysts in New York.

Webmaster's Comments: Downeast LNG, Quoddy Bay LNG, and Calais LNG Project Co. all terribly miscalculated the odds when they invested in their projects. First, they were too late when they entered the race. Now, even those who've won the race find themselves in difficulty obtaining supply.

The news continues to get worse for Downeast LNG's Dean Girdis and Rob Wyatt; Quoddy Bay LNG's Don and Brian Smith; Calais LNG Project Co.'s Ian Emery, Arthur Gelber, Carl Myers, and James Lewis; and all of their investors.