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News Articles
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Passamaquoddy Bay & LNG
2009 June
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30 Jun 2009 |
Fog lifts, then a perfect landing (Jun 29) — Telegraph-Journal, Saint John, NB
An official ribbon-cutting ceremony for the terminal will happen in September.
Canaport terminal received first LNG cargo Saturday (Jun 29) — (Reuters) Interactive Investor, London, England, UK
Canaport LNG set to receive first shipment (Jun 26) — The Quoddy Tides, Eastport, ME
With gas supplied by the Maritimes & Northeast Pipeline, shale gas and coal-bed methane gas discoveries, along with the new Canaport facility, Shook says, "I don't see the need for another terminal." She doesn't understand why the Passamaquoddy Bay proposals are still being pursued. [Red, bold & yellow emphasis added.]
Webmaster’s Comments: The Passamaquoddy Bay proposals are still being pursued because they are financed by venture capitalists, not by conventional investors.
Venture capitalists gamble on long-shot projects, so when any one of their investments succeeds, they are rolling in such obscene profits, all their losses from the other long-shot bets are paid off and they are still left rolling in oodles of money. Downeast LNG President Dean Girdis told the public in 2005 the investors thought they had only a 30% chance of obtaining a permit — and even then, they might not be able to obtain LNG supplies or customers. Downeast LNG’s investors never believed they would succeed.
Girdis and company (as well as Emery, Gelber, and Calais LNG company) are contractually obligated to the venture capitalists to go through all the motions until the final decisions are made.
Downeast LNG proposal garners local support (Jun 26) — The Quoddy Tides, Eastport, ME
Webmaster’s Comments: The article failed to mention the US Coast Guard representative — even though he stated the US Department of State [of the previous Administration] believes Canada cannot prevent LNG transits into Passamaquoddy Bay — indicated the Coast Guard’s Waterway Suitability Report and Letter of Recommendation require Downeast LNG to obtain Canada’s cooperation in order for LNG ship transits to occur. Since Canada has already made its decision at the Federal level to prohibit LNG transits into Passamaquoddy Bay, Downeast LNG will be unable to obtain any LNG, meaning the terminal will never be built.
Note: Congress requires the US Coast Guard to vet waterway suitability for LNG transits. They require the Coast Guard to deny transits when it believes that denial is appropriate. That means the US Government recognizes the validity of denying passage through a waterway such as Head Harbour Passage. Claiming the US has the authority to deny passage in Canada’s waters, but that Canada has no such authority, is hypocritical and would never stand in world court.
Sea change in energy sources could come from Maine (Jun 25) — The Free Press, Rockland, ME
Angus King, former Maine governor and principle in Independence Wind, spoke in dramatic terms of the situation facing Maine citizens when oil prices once again rise. "Eighty percent of our energy comes from fossil fuels. Of that amount, zero percent comes from Maine. We are dependent on energy from countries that often don't like us. That is imprudent and downright dangerous," King said. [Red emphasis added.]
Webmaster’s Comments: Increasing dependence on LNG, also coming from countries that often don’t like us, is just as imprudent and dangerous.
Editorial: New offshore LNG plan promising (Jun 29) — Energy Current, Houston, TX
Webmaster’s Comments: Offshore LNG terminals have numerous advantages to the company, the public, the environment, and the market.
Why do Downeast LNG and Calais LNG refuse to take this more sensible approach that would also avoid the Canadian authority obstacle?
Sabine LNG tanks filling up (Jun 26) — Beaumont Enterprise, Beaumont, TX
On the Louisiana side stands Cheniere Energy Co.'s LNG terminal.
When is LNG a small thing? [Editorial] (Jun 29) — The Daily Astorian, Astoria, OR
When high-priced lawyers want to disregard Oregon’s vaules
IEA revises down oil and gas forecast (Jun 29) — UPI.com
Top
28 Jun 2009 |
Tanker makes first delivery of liquefied natural gas to new terminal in Saint John (NB-LNG-Delivery) — (The Canadian Press) Oilweek
The vessel docked at the jetty in Red Head near Saint John, N. B., on Saturday.
Webmaster’s Comments: Downeast LNG and Calais LNG have been mooted. They had already lost the race by several years prior to entering it.
Canaport terminal opens in flooded natural gas market (Jun 26) — Calgary Herald, Calgary, AB
What North America needs more of is liquefaction and export capabilities more than import capabilities, Bolland said. [Red & yellow emphasis added.]
Shippers request gas from Canaport LNG during shutdown of Sable project (Jun 26) — LNG Law Blog, Washington, DC
Webmaster’s Comments: Verso Paper and Lincoln Paper claim to need Maine LNG import facilities. Since Canaport will be solving any shortage in supply from Sable Island, it is clear Verso and Lincoln are crying wolf.
June 27, 2009 Letters to the Editor — Bangor Daily News, Bangor, ME
LNG argument
Webmaster’s Comments: Author Mike Footer’s measured comments are refreshing, compared to most coming from the pro-LNG camp. However, he still got it wrong.
Appraisal of LNG project impacts are skewed in favor of the development, ignoring many impacts. For instance: Economic impacts to the local area are typically discounted in favor of the assumed favorable impact to the nation. Likewise regarding safety to local populations. The Coast Guard’s Waterway Suitability Report is required by the process to discount potential harm to civilian populations who live or work in the LNG ship 2.2-mile Hazard Zones.
He also has misinterpreted the safety and Canada issue, as even the LNG industry best practices attest — best practices that the US Coast Guard tossed aside in its Waterway Suitability Report. Passamaquoddy Bay is inherently unfit for LNG facilities according to the industry, despite the developers’ and their supporters’ misdirected project siting efforts.
Besides, the additional LNG is not needed in New England or the US. But, if the developers really think it is, all they need to do is move outside of Passamaquoddy Bay to solve the unsurmountable Canadian obstacle. They might even find a satisfactory location in Washington County — probably offshore.
The real mystery is why they refuse to do it.
Gazprom leaves Rabaska LNG (Jun 29) — International Oil Daily, Energy Intelligence, New York, NY [Paid subscription required]
LNG gets shipment of gas (Jun 26) — The Facts, Clute, TX
Galt said he did not know what the gas will be used for.
Webmaster’s Comments: Domestic natural gas is so abundant, they don’t know how this imported LNG will be used.
New interest in Alaska LNG [liquefaction] project (Jun 26) — Alaska Journal of Commerce, Anchorage, AK
ExxonMobil's entry into the project has raised some hackles among legislators.
Schedule set for county review on LNG (Jun 25) — The Daily Astorian, Astoria, OR
Exxon Mobil's weapons of gas destruction (Jun 26) — The Wall Street Journal, New York, NY [Paid subscription required]
Exxon Mobil has a loaded gun pointed at the U.S. natural-gas market -- and it isn't the only one.
Webmaster’s Comments: If the US actually need to import LNG, the US and Canada would not have as many as nine LNG export projects in the works.
Gas Forum still lacks OPEC sway (Jun 29) — The Moscow Times, Moscow, Russia
Top
25 Jun 2009 |
Surfers protest LNG island — Herald Online, Garden City, NY
Webmaster’s Comments: But, burning imported LNG is worse than burning domestic natural gas.
Freeport LNG proposes NGL extraction trains — LNG Law Blog, Washington, DC
Webmaster’s Comments: This is substantial evidence they would be importing “hot” (a.k.a., “heavy” or “wet”) LNG — LNG containing significant amounts of more volatile hydrocarbon liquid fuels such as butane, propane, and ethane. Hot LNG has a greater ability to detonate unconfined.
TransCanada reports interest in export of North Slope natural gas as LNG — LNG Law Blog, Washington, DC
Webmaster’s Comments: This is the 8th or 9th LNG export project in North America. With the growing number of projects to export LNG from the US and Canada, before long there may be more project to export than projects to import.
Strange bedfellows on property rights [Opinion column] — The Oregonian, Portland, OR
Demand for storage boosts LNG carrier spot rates (Jun 23) — Lloyd's List [Paid subscription required]
TopAt least three LNG carriers were booked for 3-6 month charters for storage purposes this month, and there were more inquiries in the market. Gas traders were preparing for higher demand du... [Red emphasis added.]
Webmaster’s Comments: Downeast LNG, attempting to minimize the better technology of siting LNG import facilities offshore (a la Gulf Gateway, Northeast Gateway, and Neptune LNG), wants FERC to believe LNG storage can only occur in tanks on land. The oil and gas industries already are storing their surpluses on ships at sea.
24 Jun 2009 |
Maine law promotes renewable power — (AP) Bangor Daily News, Bangor, ME
The bill is called the first of its kind in the nation.
Webmaster’s Comments: It is also another step to end dependence on foreign natural gas.
First LNG terminal tug nears completion at Derecktor — Energy Current, Houston, TX
Independence is the first tug in the continental U.S. specifically designed for offshore LNG terminals, according to BT&T Marine Superintendent Bill Skinner. [Red emphasis added.]
LNG to truck gas into Quintana, after all — The Facts, Clute, TX
“It bothers us a whole lot,” Town Councilman Harold Doty said. “... When they say they don’t need it, obviously they don’t mean it.” [Red emphasis added.]
Editorial - Where's CARICOM's energy policy? — The Gleaner, Kingston, Jamaica, West Indies
["CARICOM" = the entire Carribean Community]
Trinidad says will send LNG to Jamaica after all— Reuters
Trinidad later said it could not supply LNG to Jamaica because supplies were inadequate. But Manning told Parliament supplies had become available because the global supply and demand situation for gas has changed. [Bold red emphasis added.]
LNG ‘fast-track’ bill stalled in Oregon Senate — The News-Times, Forest Grove OR
State LNG bill an assault on our property rights — The News-Times, Forest Grove OR
Market Watch: Crude, product prices rebound as dollar weakens — Oil & Gas Journal, Houston, TX
History Channel to feature LNG carrier on 'Super Ships' — Energy Current, Houston, TX
Top
23 Jun 2009 |
Tanker's ETA pushed back — Telegraph-Journal, Saint John, NB
Webmaster’s Comments: Canaport’s exposed location shoots all kinds of holes in Downeast LNG’s claim that LNG terminals require “sheltered” sites.The Gulf Gateway Energy Bridge Deepwater LNG Port is 116 miles offshore from Texas, in the open Gulf of Mexico. An LNG vessel offloaded its entire cargo during Hurricane Katrina. Sheltered location? Hardly.
Canaport LNG winter projections look good — Telegraph-Journal, Saint John, NB
Webmaster’s Comments: In other words, there is a surplus of LNG receiving terminals.
Louisiana terminal gets its first LNG shipment — Houston Chronicle, Houston, TX
TopExxon Mobil’s Golden Pass LNG terminal just north of Sabine Pass was scheduled to open this year, but that has been delayed because of heavy damage during Hurricane Ike. [Red emphasis added.]
22 Jun 2009 |
Energy projects hurt by recession — Telegraph Journal, Saint John, NB
It's not just investors being wary and credit drying up that's the problem.
Demand for energy is also dropping.
The result, says the International Energy Agency, is that "energy investment worldwide is plunging."
The IEA argues governments should be spending four times as much as they have announced on energy efficiency and low-carbon policies. [Red & yellow emphasis added.]
Other proposed, under-construction or existing LNG terminals in Atlantic Canada and New England (Jun 20) — New Brunswick Business Journal, Saint John, NB
Webmaster’s Comments: Calais LNG is not included in the list. Is it prescience?
GDF Suez subsidiary takes on new name to align with parent company — FOXBusiness.com
Webmaster’s Comments: Neptune LNG Deepwater Port off Gloucester, Massachusetts, is owned by GDF Suez Energy North America, now GDF Suez Energy Resources NA.
FERC Chairman apologizes to Rhode Island State Representative — LNG Law Blog, Washington, DC
Webmaster’s Comments: Searer wanted the public — attending a public meeting — to sign non-disclosure agreements regarding what they would learn at that public meeting.
Elba Island LNG terminal to receive cargo June 26-data — Reuters
Update 2-Cameron LNG terminal receives first cargo Sunday — Reuters
Jamaica's woes worry Manning (Jun 23) — Trinidad & Tobago Express, Trinidad and Tobago
Gas terminal still faces obstacles — The Register-Guard, Eugene, OR
The state said FERC refers to the area as a “moderate-to-low-activity seismic region” and that “no faults are reported on the site,” which is inaccurate, according to Geology and Mineral Industries. [Red emphasis added.]
County Commissioners scheduled to address Bradwood Landing LNG land-use issues — LNG Law Blog, Washington, DC
NATS: Summer surge in LNG deliveries to U.S. market not likely — LNG Law Blog, Washington, DC
Webmaster’s Comments: Once again, LNG optimism has proven to be hot gas.
Potential Gas Committee reports unprecedented increase in magnitude of U.S. natural gas resource base (Jun 18) — Colorado School of Mines, Golden, CO
Webmaster’s Comments: US Atlantic region natural gas resources increased 285% between 2006 and 2008.
Read more about the Potential Gas Committee.
Market Watch: Energy prices continue to decline — Oil & Gas Journal, Houston, TX
Gas market is facing a new world order — The National, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
TopNew technology is causing an upheaval in the distribution of world gas supplies.
As a result, the world’s biggest energy consumer [the USA] could become a net gas exporter, as some liquefied natural gas (LNG) exporters start imports. [Red, yellow, and bold emphasis added.]
19 Jun 2009 |
LNG developer makes pitch in St. Stephen — The Saint Croix Courier, St. Stephen, NB
Webmaster’s Comments: Ian Emery referred to the Canada-United States Inter-Parliamentary Group that met in May in Quebec. After considerable effort, Senator Susan Collins managed to get a resolution passed. The Group’s news release reads:
“The Canada-US Inter-Parliamentary Group recommends that Canada and the United States cooperate with one another to ensure that any and all investigations and reviews of proposals to build facilities in ports, to and from which vessels would need to navigate through the territorial waters of the other, receive the full, good faith and expeditious cooperation of both countries.”
Despite the resolution, readers must realize that the Group’s resolution has no legal authority, and does not reflect the official position of the Government of Canada. Also, it does not suggest cooperation when transits are not innocent passage, such as the case of LNG in Passamaquoddy Bay.
Delegates at the event were:
Canadian Senate:
- Senator Jerry S. Grafstein, Q.C., Co-Chair of the Canadian Section of the IPG
- Senator Céline Hervieux-Payette, P.C.
- Senator Donald H. Oliver, Q.C.
- Senator Janis G. Johnson, Vice-Chair of the Canadian Section of the IPG
- Senator W. David Angus, Q.C., Vice-Chair of the Canadian Section of the IPG
- Senator Wilfred P. Moore, Q.C., Vice-Chair of the Canadian Section of the IPG
- Senator Frank W. Mahovlich, Vice-Chair of the Canadian Section of the IPG
- Senator Dennis Dawson
Canadian House of Commons:
- Mr. Gord Brown, M.P., Co-Chair of the Canadian Section of the IPG
- Honourable Wayne Easter, P.C., M.P., Vice-Chair of the Canadian Section of the IPG
- Honourable Judy Sgro, P.C., M.P., Vice-Chair of the Canadian Section of the IPG
- Honourable John McKay, P.C., M.P., Vice-Chair of the Canadian Section of the IPG
- Honourable Shawn Murphy, P.C., M.P.
- Mr. Paul Crête, M.P., Vice-Chair of the Canadian Section of the IPG
- Mr. James Rajotte, M.P., Vice-Chair of the Canadian Section of the IPG
- Mr. Brian Masse, M.P., Vice-Chair of the Canadian Section of the IPG
- Mr. Guy André, M.P., Vice-Chair of the Canadian Section of the IPG
- Mr. David Christopherson, M.P.
- Mr. Brad Trost, M.P., Vice-Chair of the Canadian Section of the IPG
- Mr. Jeff Watson, M.P., Vice-Chair of the Canadian Section of the IPG
- Mr. Dean Del Mastro, M.P.
- Mr. Christian Ouellet, M.P.
US Senate:
- Senator Amy Klobuchar, Co-Chair of the US Section of the IPG
- Senator Mike Crapo, Vice-Chair of the US Section of the IPG
- Senator Chuck Grassley
- Senator Jeff Sessions
- Senator Susan Collins
- Senator George Voinovich
US House of Representatives:
- Representative Jim Oberstar, Co-Chair of the US Section of the IPG
- Representative Cliff Stearns
- Representative Bart Stupak
- Representative Candace Miller
Canada firm in LNG opposition — The Saint Croix Courier, St. Stephen, NB
Webmaster’s Comments: The US Coast Guard official at the meeting stated Downeast LNG will not be able to transit LNG into Passamaquoddy Bay without coordinating with Canada — a prerequisite to construction.
A Federal Canadian decision has already been made to prohibit LNG transits into the bay.
Downeast LNG, FERC, and the US Coast Guard are wasting a lot of taxpayers’ money and time on inappropriate permit vetting that should have been cancelled by FERC years ago.
The LNG wait is over — Telegraph-Journal, Saint John, NB
On Monday, it will play host to a 138,000-cubic-metre transport ship, the Bilbao Knutsen, which will dock to start a week-long process to unload liquefied natural gas into the terminal. [Red emphasis added.]
Repsol looking at the big picture — New Brunswick Business Journal, Saint John, NB
The second storage tank is expected to be brought online next month and the third one - still under construction - will be in use late this year or early in 2010. [Red & yellow emphasis added.]
Webmaster’s Comments: This doesn’t exactly scream “more LNG is needed.” Downeast LNG and Calais LNG were already at least five years too late when they jumped into the race.
N.B. Canaport plant set to go on stream — The Globe and Mail, Toronto, ON
Irving/Repsol project, the first onshore LNG terminal to be built in eastern North America in 31 years, is facing a glut of supply
New Brunswick's Canaport LNG terminal is set to begin operations next week, taking its first natural gas shipment, but analysts are already questioning the economics of the joint venture between Irving Oil Ltd. and Spain's Repsol YPF SA. [Bold, red & yellow emphasis added.]
County ready to tackle Bradwood Landing LNG land-use issue — The Daily Astorian, Astoria, OR
Top
18 Jun 2009 |
Tribe ends LNG contract with Quoddy Bay firm — Bangor Daily News, Bangor, ME
Vera Francis, an organizer with Nulankeyutmonen Nkihtahkomikumon, wrote Tuesday in an e-mail to the Bangor Daily News that the group was “especially pleased” with the council vote. Quoddy Bay’s proposal to build an LNG terminal on tribal land at Split Rock was “short-sighted,” she indicated.
The future for the tribe, [a Tribal Councilor] said, [is] in natural resource-based economic development projects, not in elaborate proposals like LNG. “We need to use the resources that we have,” he said. [Red & bold emphasis added.]
LNG developer challenges tribe vote — Mainebiz, Portland, ME
Webmaster’s Comments: No one should have expected less of Don Smith, considering his ill-considered project and previous misbehavior. After all, he bragged in print about consuming two-three bottles of wine that resulted in his terminal location idea — an idea that had numerous cockamamie aspects along the way:
- A Mill Cove site location that failed even before the one that has just now collapsed;
- An 8-mile cryogenic LNG pipeline running beneath Western Passage of Passamaquoddy Bay, up to Robbinston;
- A temporary emergency floating bridge to evacuate the City of Eastport;
- A cryogenic LNG pipeline under Maine State Highway 190, beneath Half Moon Cove, and then under a county road;
- Locating the receiving facility absolutely adjacent to a cultural ceremony location (Split Rock) that includes huge monthly bonfires;
- Claiming they did have a Ground Lease;
- Claiming they did not have a Ground Lease; and
- Refusing to make lease payments.
Plus, prior to Tribal Government’s move to cancel his ticket, FERC had already tossed Don Smith’s project out on its ear from the Federal permitting process.
Quoddy Bay LNG was an exceedingly bad idea, with poor energy-market timing even before the economic meltdown, with inept execution, and took five years too long to die. Let it remain dead.
Repsol to become major natural gas supplier to North America as Canaport LNG terminal begins operations [News release] — PR Newswire, New York, NY
The LNG facility has a firm sendout capacity of 1 Bcf/day, enough to heat 5 million homes.
The Canaport LNG Terminal, along with Repsol's other natural gas assets, will be capable of meeting about 20 percent of the natural gas demand in New York and New England. [Red & yellow emphasis added.]
Webmaster’s Comments: Downeast LNG’s and Calais LNG’s claims that their projects are needed ring hollow.
Repsol signs Canaport LNG natural gas deals — Reuters UK
Slack U.S. demand
And in the future, pending production projects in Angola and possibly Iran could help bolster supply to Canadian shores. [Red & yellow emphasis added.]
The next frontier? — The Telegram, St. John's, NL
"We're looking for supply for that facility [Canaport]," said Marcoux.
To date, almost 11 billion cubic feet of natural gas has been discovered off the [Newfoundland & Labrador] province. [Red emphasis added.]
FERC chairman calls Gallison to apologize for LNG incident — EastBayRI, Bristol, RI
Rep. Gallison had been barred from LNG meeting for refusing to sign non-disclosure statement
FERC flips stance on gag order — The Herald News, Fall River, MA
Gallison said Wellinghoff told him that FERC would change the procedure of requiring a nondisclosure agreement, “immediately.” [Red emphasis added.]
Webmaster’s Comments: This is a small, but significant, victory indicates FERC Chairman Wellinghoff’s record as a public advocate is well deserved.
Our view: Safety over secrecy [Editorial] — The Herald News, Fall River, MA
Weaver’s Cove CEO Gordon Shearer claims the technical design of the pipeline is proprietary information that must be hidden from the public. Apparently, he forgot that the meeting was public. [Red emphasis added.]
EPA files comments on Cove Point LNG pier reinforcement project — LNG Law Blog, Washington, DC
Shale gas puts off need for Arctic gas (Jun 15) — (Financial Post) Canada.com
"The biggest issue that we now have is [insufficient] demand," said Mr. Letwin. [Bold, red & yellow emphasis added.]
Webmaster’s Comments: Imported LNG is needed like a hole in the head — according to a Houston-based natural gas pipeline executive.
Energy producers make $178-million bet on B.C. shale gas play — The Globe and Mail, Toronto, ON
American and Canadian groups promote natural gas as a long term sustainable solution for North America's energy future — (Canada Newswire) iStockAnalyst, Salem, OR
CLNG: Regulatory, market questions dog US LNG industry (Jun 17) — Oil & Gas Journal, Houston, TX
Once all these are commissioned, it will likely be some time before ground is broken for another round of terminal construction. [Bold, red & yellow emphasis added.]
Webmaster’s Comments: Downeast LNG and Calais LNG entered the race around five years too late. Only those already having permits or in construction have any chance are likely to operate.
Another natural gas build — Yahoo Finance
Estimate places natural gas reserves 35% higher (Jun 17) — The New York Times, New York, NY
The report by the Potential Gas Committee, the authority on gas supplies, shows the United States holds far larger reserves than previously thought. The jump is the largest increase in the 44-year history of reports from the committee. [Red & yellow emphasis added.]
The pitfalls of natural gas as the default climate change option — Financial Times, London, England, UK
Cheap, plentiful natural gas is a mixed bag. With a glut of natural gas and depressed demand in the US, the industry outlook may have been glum. Plenty of big LNG projects are still going ahead. So news today that US natural gas reserves may be much bigger than thought may not be welcome news for many. [Bold, red & yellow emphasis added.]
Webmaster’s Comments: We’re betting the gas glut is not welcome news to Downeast LNG and Calais LNG. The story below may add an even greater sick feeling in DeLNG’s and CLNG’s stomachs.
Gas glut: Why the U.S. boom could mean cheaper gas everywhere [Blog] — The Wall Street Journal, New York, NY
TopWebmaster’s Comments: Even the “kitchen sink” analogy is proving to be false. It appears that LNG has an even bleaker future than recently imagined.
17 Jun 2009 |
Province's shale gas resource large: CEO — New Brunswick Business Journal, Saint John, NB
"All of a sudden we have a big potential," Miller told the crowd.
"We're in a gas glut right now," he said, adding that the firm's philosophy is to spend only what it makes in the sale of gas; the company has an untouched bank line of credit of about $40 million. [Red & bold emphasis added.]
Canaport to take first LNG delivery — (Reuters) Calgary Herald, Calgary, AB
Support for LNG plan high at meeting — Bangor Daily News, Bangor, ME
“I would not exchange a paying job for good health,” Soctomah said. “LNG does not provide what we need in this area for our land and for our children.” [Red emphasis added.]
Webmaster’s Comments: The US Coast Guard official present at the meeting stated Downeast LNG is required by the US Coast Guard Waterway Suitability Report to obtain Canada’s cooperation [in order to satisfy the requirements to construct their facility]. Since Canada has already stated they will not allow LNG ships into Passamaquoddy Bay, Downeast LNG — and Calais LNG — have doomed projects.
Elected officials and local economic development personnel who profess LNG is badly needed in Washington County and Maine apparently have not urged the developers to find workable sites. Instead, they encourage continuing down the same unworkable path.
Maine-New Brunswick Energy Corridor delayed — LNG Law Blog, Washington, DC
Webmaster’s Comments: While Maine should expect reasonable benefit from an energy corridor between New Brunswick and Boston, it also should not lose everything by attempting to hold New Brunswick hostage over the proposed Passamaquoddy Bay LNG projects. After all, it is the developers, themselves, who have flubbed by their lack of due diligence.
Gag order protest shuts down LNG meeting (Jun 16) — The Herald News, Fall River, MA
Gallison's and Lawless’ refusal to sign the form led Terry L. Turpin, FERC Chief of the LNG Energy Branch, to cancel the meeting and seek advice from FERC’s legal counsel. [Red emphasis added.]
Webmaster’s Comments: How can a “public” meeting be a “secret” meeting?
EcoElectrica files plan for new heat exchangers (Jun 16) — LNG Law Blog, Washington, DC
First Cameron LNG cargo still awaits to offload (Jun 16) — Reuters
DOE issues Export Authorization to Sabine Pass, Freeport LNG (Jun 16) — LNG Law Blog, Washington, DC
TopWebmaster’s Comments: The United States is swimming in so much natural gas, the imported LNG at the two terminals is not needed.
16 Jun 2009 |
Sipayik council votes to end project with Quoddy Bay LNG (Jun 12) — The Quoddy Tides, Eastport, ME
Canaport to receive first cargo June 20 (Jun 15) — (Reuters) Interactive Investor, UK
LNG Tanker sets sail — Telegraph-Journal, Saint John, NB
TopEnergy Canaport LNG facility expecting its first fill-up Saturday from tanker Bilbao Knudsen
14 Jun 2009 |
Insight [Opinion column] — Press-Register, Mobile, AL
Webmaster’s Comments: This would be the fourth offshore LNG terminal in the US, and offshore technology makes far more sense than Downeast LNG and Calais LNG. Offshore LNG terminals…
- A areway from civilian populations, so it is safer for the public;
- Eliminate navigation risks present in long, inland waterways;
- Can be more easily expanded than shoreside terminals;
- Weather bad storms better than shoreside terminals;
- Are cost-competitive to shoreside terminals;
- Are easier to maintain security; and
- Have more market-flexiblity.
TransCanada, Exxon teaming up on Alaska a wake-up call for Mackenzie project: APG (Jun 13) — New Brunswick Business Journal, Saint John, NB
Webmaster’s Comments: The project represents a supply of 4.5 billion cubic feet of natural gas per day — on top of the 100-plus years’s worth of natural gas in the US shale gas reserves.
Investors pour cash into LNG project — The Daily News, Longview, WA
Stockpiles pressuring natural gas (Jun 13) — iStockAnalyst, Salem, OR
Top[N]atural gas in storage has reached approximately 2.4 trillion cubic feet, which is up 30.3% from last year's level and 21.8% above the five-year range. [Red emphasis added.]
12 Jun 2009 |
LNG proponents twist the truth! [Blog] (Jun 11) — Fundy Tides, Bocabec, NB
Here's a few of the current problems:
- Dean Girdis of DELNG continues to state the right of the United States to evoke "innocent passage" through Head Harbour Passage under the UN "Law of the Sea."
- The United States Coast Guard assessed Head Harbour Passage for FERC and reported everything is fine for LNG tankers in direct conflict with the position of the Canadian government. These are Canadian waters.
- The two pilots from Eastport have submitted a letter to FERC refuting the busy season. Basically they say that nothing is happening in spite of the active Canadian lobster fishery, the building of weirs, the arrival of thousands of smolts, the launching of whale watching, the preparations of restaurants, B&Bs, Inns and more.
- "There is no indication that the LNG project would affect any lobster catch results in Canada, as there is little if any lobstering along the LNG vessel route in the waters of Head Harbour Passage." That's a big surprise to everyone who is setting traps along Head Harbour Passage and other deep water locations that they will share with the proposed LNG tanker route.
- Apparently there are no whales of note in Head Harbour Passage. Huh?
Downeast LNG holds public meeting Tuesday — The Saint Croix Courier, St. Stephen, NB
Webmaster’s Comments: The meeting will be held at 7:00 PM ET / 8:00 PM AT.
Regulation is needed now to end the threat of LNG [Opinion column] —The Saint Croix Courier, St. Stephen, NB
FERC schedules Technical Conference on Weaver's Cove Energy's offshore berth project — LNG Law Blog, Washington, DC
NATS: Cool-down cargo approaching Cameron LNG (Jun 11) — LNG Law Blog, Washington, DC
NATS [subscription required] reports that the British Diamond LNG carrier is approaching the Calcasieu Channel en route to the Cameron LNG import terminal to deliver a commissioning cargo.
TransCanada keeps lead in Alaska pipe — Upstreamonline
Exxon signs with Transcanada! [Opinion column] (Jun 11) — Alaska Gubernatorial Examiner
Webmaster’s Comments: This will mean even more natural gas availability in Canada and the lower 48 states — even less reason for importing LNG.
TransCanada and ExxonMobil to work together on Alaska Pipeline project (Jun 11) — Canadian Business, Toronto, ON
Local doubts on bay (week of Jun 14) — Petroleum News, Anchorage, AK
President Obama announces more Key Administration posts [News release] (Jun 10) — The White House, United States
John R. Norris, Nominee for Commissioner, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [FERC]
Expert says Western Slope energy market not at bottom (Jun 10) — The Grand Junction Daily Sentinel, Grand Junction, CO
Webmaster’s Comments: In other words, importing LNG is bad for the US economy.
Natural gas inventories report: Storage overflow in 11 weeks [Blog] (Jun 11) — Shocked Investor
‘Unprecedented oversupply’ of natural gas coming this summer, says Marshall Adkins — Oil & Gas Financial Journal
Webmaster’s Comments: US natural gas storage is currently at 90% capacity. We are literally swimming in natural gas — both in storage and in the ground.
Market Watch: Crude continues climbing in 3-day rally — PennEnergy, Tulsa, OK
TopWhile EIA gas storage data appear bullish “on the surface,” Raymond James analysts said, “Inventory numbers will get even squirlier the next few months as gas storage in the producing region is already at 90% capacity, and injections into the larger Eastern storage region are constrained by federal regulations (i.e., you can't just fill it as fast as you want). Look for more volatility in gas prices over the next 4 days as the United States Natural Gas Fund begins its rollover—selling $3 billion worth of July gas and purchasing August gas.”
10 Jun 2009 |
Domtar to reopen Maine pulp mill — (AP) Forbes
The company said it will call back some 300 employees to restart production the week of June 22. [Red & yellow emphasis added.]
Governor pleased with Domtar reopening in Baileyville [News release] — Maine Governor Baldacci, Augusta, ME
Sand versus gas [Opinion column] — BradentonHerald.com, Bradenton, FL
KLNG targets construction start next year — Northern Sentinel, Kitimat, BC
“We’re very close to being able to move forward with binding agreements,” she said.
Webmaster’s Comments: When world natural gas demand increases, LNG cost increases. As economic recovery takes place, LNG becomes even less price-competitive versus the massive North American domestic natural gas supplies.
Clatsop planners support controversial zone change on LNG pipeline route (Jun 9) — The Daily Astorian, Astoria, OR
LNG deal puts a price on course (Jun 9) — The World, Coos Bay, OR
The port has joined Jordan Cove Energy Project in an option to buy Kentuck Golf Course on the northeast shore of Coos Bay. The liquefied natural gas terminal developer wants the land to offset subtidal damage that would be caused by building a slip dock on the North Spit if the project wins approval.
US natural gas price rebound in 2010 in doubt: Raymond James (Jun 8) — Platts [Free subscription required]
Webmaster’s Comments: Even as rigs are shut down, domestic production continues to climb. We are swimming in a sea of natural gas.
Gazprom targets 5%-10% share of US gas market by 2020 (Jun 9) — Platts [Free subscription required]
Webmaster’s Comments: There are, of course, two major problems with Gazprom’s desire: (1) unconventional (shale gas) sources are coming out our ears in the US, and (2) we’d be crazy to exchange our exisitng domestic gas-glut energy independence for energy dependence on Russia.
Much more LNG coming soon — World Gas Intelligence [Paid subscription required]
Webmaster’s Comments: North America is already swimming in domestic supplies of natural gas. There is already a surplus of LNG import capacity, with new terminals being built on top of that, while other existing and new terminals plan on exporting LNG from North America. There is simply no need for redundant projects like Downeast LNG and Calais LNG — especially considering their distance from the natural gas market.
Market Watch: Crude closes above $70/bbl for 7-month high — Oil & Gas Journal, Tulsa, OK
TopPritchard Capital Partners said, “The fear of a flood of LNG arriving at US terminals in coming months is subsiding slightly as North American Terminals [Management Inc.] reported that only 56 bcfe arrived in the US in April. However, the long term picture is less clear as OAO Gazprom officials said they plan to supply the US with 10% of its natural gas needs with LNG. Obviously, Gazprom’s plan is negative for the long term outlook for natural gas, but right now Russia is not the most reliable natural gas counterparty considering their record of supplying the European Union with natural gas.” [Red & bold emphasis added.]
8 Month 2009 |
FERC approves funding plan for major international transmission line over protests (Jun 5) — Energy Legal Blog, TX
Webmaster’s Comments: Here is the first energy corridor bypassing Maine, providing clean energy to southern New Hampshire. If the Maine Legislature delays things long enough — thanks to the Maine Jobs First lobby that insists on inappropriate LNG terminals in Passamaquoddy Bay — no energy corridors will be built in Maine, at all.
LNG plan flaming out [Editorial] — The Herald News, Fall River, MA
Webmaster’s Comments: There is an apparent logical disconnect in LNG-think. Most reasonable people would cut their losses. Venture capitalists, on the other hand, are betting on dark horses (and frequently lame ones, at that). They don’t actually expect their LNG projects to succeed — but if they do, they’ll own the world.
Critics question Weaver's Cove pipeline plan (Jun 7) — The Standard-Times, New Bedford, MA
Lack of storage seen as disadvantage for New England (Jun 6) — The Standard-Times, New Bedford, MA
In any event, he said, the LNG shippers have an advantage with offshore regasification.
Groups, citizens call on Mid-Atlantic Governors to stop liquefied natural gas proposals (Jun 5) — TheAlternativePress.com, NJ
For the first time, five Governors from NY, NJ, DE, MD, and VA are convening to create a regional forum for coastal and ocean Mid-Atlantic regional planning. On March 6, 2009, the Governors wrote Chairwoman Nancy Sutley of the national Council on Environmental Quality to inform her "of an effort to develop an interstate agreement on ocean and coastal management in the Mid-Atlantic region." The Governors noted they are "planning to engage in a robust public process" and ask "that the federal government designate a lead, or co-leads, to provide direct support." As noted in their letter, the "Mid-Atlantic will be the first region to commit to a regional approach to ocean management during President Obama’s Administration." [Red & yellow emphasis added.]
Webmaster’s Comments: New England could be the second region to commit to ocean management.
Energy an issue as states form ocean panel (Jun 7) — Daily Record, Parsippany, NJ
Thus far, new LNG proposal looks good (Jun 7) — Press-Register, Mobile, AL
Webmaster’s Comments: Offshore LNG terminal siting eliminates all kinds of problems that remain with shoreside terminals, such as Downeast LNG and Calais LNG. Offshore LNG terminals…
- Present no Hazard Zones to civilian populations — Downeast LNG & Calais LNG would subject thousands of people to the Federal Hazard Zones that accompany LNG ships in transit;
- Are easier to permit;
- Are easier to expand;
- Are easier to secure;
- Present easier navigation to and from the terminal;
- Can be constructed faster;
- Are more flexible; and
- Weather better in bad seas and winds.
US government approves Cheniere LNG export plans — (Reuters) Forbes
Webmaster’s Comments: There is no market for Cheniere’s imported LNG, but there is a market for it overseas. North America has too much natural gas.
Cheniere terminal to get LNG tomorrow, data shows (Jun 7) — Bloomberg News
US preps for LNG exports (Jun 5) — Fairplay Shipping News, Surrey, England, UK [Paid subscription required]
Webmaster’s Comments: There are a host of LNG import facilities in the US — too many, and that was predicted by then-FERC Chairman Pat Wood in 2005. There is too much domestic natural gas and too much world LNG — so much that LNG imported to the US is then being exported.
Downeast LNG and Calais LNG started about five years too late, made inappropriate site selections, violated LNG industry best practices, failed to perform due diligence, and are in a losing battle with Canada.
It makes one wonder why working people have to produce so much repayment evidence just to get a car loan.
Cameron receives first LNG cargo — Upstreamonline.com
Sempra LNG signs gas deal with RasGas (Jun 9) — Gulf Times, Doha, Qatar
Sempra LNG signs agreement with RasGas to bring LNG from Qatar to new U.S. Gulf Coast terminal [News release] — Sempra Energy, San Diego, CA
Alaska's natural gas dilemma - Everyone agrees Cook Inlet needs help. No one agrees on how or where to get it. (Jun 4) — Anchorage Press, Anchorage, AK
B.C. liquefied natural gas terminal proponents land more Asian customers — Business in Vancouver, Vancouver, BC
Webmaster’s Comments: There’s so much domestic natural gas available, the industry is shipping it overseas.
Oregon LNG signs memorandum of understanding with the State of Oregon on CO2 mitigation, plant retirement and emergency preparedness — (Business Wire) iStockAnalyst.com
Oregon LNG is a proposed liquefied natural gas (LNG) facility in Warrenton, Ore.
Webmaster’s Comments: It is certainly true that Oregon LNG is sited better for civilian safety than the Bradwood Landing and Jordan Cove LNG projects in Oregon.
Supporters of LNG build a pipeline to Oregon lawmakers — (The Oregonian) Energy Current, Houston, TX
Two key decisions highlight special meeting for Port of Coos Bay — KCBY-TV, North Bend, OR
Locked out on LNG (Jun 6) — The World, Coos Bay, OR
As permit process progresses, locals have little say in the matter
Webmaster’s Comments: Huh? Someone needs to challeng Kantor on that twisted logic.
Jon Wellinghoff, Obama’s energy futurist — The Christian Science Monitor, Boston, MA
TopThe chairman of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission is committed to renewable energy.
“You don’t need fossil fuel or nuclear [plants] that run all the time,” Wellinghoff told reporters at a US Energy Association Forum last month. Then he added: “We may not need any, ever.” [Red & bold emphasis added.]
6 Jun 2009 |
LNG proponent banks on 'innocent passage' — Telegraph-Journal, Saint John, NB
Webmaster’s Comments: Girdis is fantasizing. Maritime Law expert Ted L. McDorman told the public at the 2007 May 11 panel discussion, “(Not So) Innocent Passage: International Law and the Passamaquoddy Bay LNG Terminal Controversy,” that since the US is not a member of the UNCLOS treaty, Canada is under no obligation to provide innocent passage under that treaty to LNG ships desiring passage to LNG terminals in Passamaquoddy Bay (UNCLOS = UN Convention on the Law of the Sea).
Girdis claims Canada will eventually “cooperate with the US Coast Guard to get LNG tankers safely through Canadian territorial waters into the bay.”The US Coast Guard requires Downeast LNG to obtain that cooperation. The onus falls on Girdis, not the Coast Guard.
LNG proposal lacks planning, problem-solving — MaineToday.com, Morning Sentinel / Kennebec Journal
TopThe problem is not with Canada, it is the lack of planning and problem-solving by the LNG developers. [Red emphasis added.]
3 June 2009 |
LNG terminal project ‘killed’ — The Packet, Clarenville, NL
Grassy Point will stay green
Webmaster’s Comments: This trans-shipment depot terminal was banking on a vast need for LNG in North America — a need that has been proven false by the domestic natural gas glut.
Calais LNG Project Company, LLC; Supplemental Notice of Intent to Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement for the Calais LNG project and Request for Comments on environmental Issues related to the potential expansion of the Maritimes & Northeast Pipeline System — US Federal Register, Washington, DC
Webmaster’s Comments: Thus begins another exercise in futility.
FERC seeks additional data in review of Weaver's Cove LNG offshore berthing proposal — LNG Law Blog, Washington, DC
Cheniere expects Sabine export approval in days — Interactive Investor, UK
"When we get DoE approval we will be in a position to look at exports," Charif Souki, Cheniere's chief executive officer, told Reuters. "Hopefully we will get that in the next few days." [Red, yellow & bold emphasis added.]
LNG project signs Korean customer (Jun 2) — Calgary Herald, Calgary, AB
Kitimat facility looks to line up gas suppliers
Until last September, the terminal was envisioned as an LNG import facility, but changing global natural gas price dynamics convinced the Calgary-based private company to reverse course. [Red & bold emphasis added.]
Market Watch: Oil, gas prices slip slightly — Oil & Gas Online, Tulsa, OK
"…if Europeans continue to drawdown storage, this alleviates some of the concern that excess LNG will end up at US terminals." [Red emphasis added.]
Webmaster’s Comments: The previously-predicted LNG “tsunami” to the US is not forming.
'Nutty Natty' sentiments cloud US natural gas — Commodity Online, Ahmedabad, India
Global LNG demand to dip in short term, mkt to tighten in 2014 — Rigzone, Houston, TX
Top
2 June 2009 |
State tells LNG developer that OK unlikely for Fall River site — Boston Herald, Boston, MA
The state is trying to give Weaver’s Cove a big hint.
Webmaster’s Comments: Just like Downeast LNG and Calais LNG, Weaver's Cove Energy does’t have a ghost of a chance at success, yet they continue on, gobbling up their venture capital. That is all the investors expect — they expect the projects to fail. Downeast LNG’s Dean Girdis even made that admission to the public at a meeting in Robbinston in 2005. At the meeting, Girdis said the investors thought they had only a 30% chance at obtaining a permit, and if they did get the permit there was no guarantee they could get an LNG supply or customers. In other words, at the outset they expected to fail.
How Venture Capital Works
Venture capitalists spread large investments over numerous “long-shot” projects, not expecting any one of them to succeed; however, when one does succeed, the profits are so high they pay off all the other losses and still pay out an enormous profit. So, even though the projects have little chance of success, the investors expect the developers to continue to the bitter end. Besides, the developers continue to receive handsome paychecks while they continue their doomed projects — they aren’t about to kill a good thing for their own bank accounts, no matter whom else it hurts.
Mass. isn't buying new LNG plan — ABC6-TV, Providence, RI
A new plan to bring LNG to Southeastern Mass. is being faced with skepticism.
[View the video on this page]
State allows offshore LNG plan to proceed — (GateHouse News Service) Norwich Bulletin, Norwich, CT
“I continue to have serious concerns, on both public safety and environmental grounds, about this proposed site for an LNG terminal. The project developer should consider putting his efforts into some other, more suitable, location.” [Red, yellow & bold emphasis added.]
Webmaster’s Comments: Like Downeast LNG and Calais LNG, the Weaver’s Cove Energy project violates LNG industry terminal siting best practices (see LNG Terminal Siting Standards Organization).
Chairman Wellinghoff responds to New York State's concerns with Broadwater LNG project — LNG Law Blog, Washington, DC
FERC approves LNG export proposal for Sabine Pass LNG — LNG Law Blog, Washington, DC
Webmaster’s Comments: North America is awash in a sea of natural gas reserves.
FERC grants extension to complete Phase II of Freeport LNG terminal — LNG Law Blog, Washington, DC
Webmaster’s Comments: Need for new LNG regasification facilities is at a standstill — with permitted facilities waiting to pick up the need if, and when, it is needed. There is no need for Downeast LNG and Calais LNG.
KOGAS signs MOU with Kitimat LNG [News release] (Jun 1) — Kitimat LNG, Calgary, AB
Gov. criticizes LNG report — The World, Coos Bay, OR
“That dearth of detail leaves Oregon without enforceable conditions and assurances to protect the health and safety of our citizens and environment,” Kulongoski wrote. [Red emphasis added.]
Kulongoski turns flame up on FERC analyses — The Daily Astorian, Astoria, OR
Governor says agency’s reports on LNG are ‘woefully inadequate’
Reuters Summit-Kinder says gas shales bullish for natgas sector — (Reuters) Interactive Investor, Peterborough, Cambridgeshire, England, UK
Top"Upstream folks will tell you we have '100 years of natural gas supply' that we know we can access in the lower 48 without importing any LNG. [Red, yellow & bold emphasis added.]
1 Jun 2009 |
Canaport LNG has many customers for gas offtake — Reuters
Webmaster’s Comments: Canaports pending completion and operation has given them years-worth of competitive advantage over Downeast LNG and Calais LNG. There is even concern — despite Repsol’s assurances to the contrary — that Canaport may not succeed, due to lack of need. The numerous other LNG terminals already permitted, under construction, or operating means Downeast LNG and Calais LNG had already lost even before they entered the race.
State permit unlikely for Fall River LNG facility — Boston Herald, Boston, MA
The state is telling developers of a proposed LNG facility in Fall River to basically shove off.
Webmaster’s Comments: The proposed Weavers Cove 4-mile undersea cryogenic LNG pipeline is an imprudent last-ditch attempt to save an otherwise useless project. There is no need for Weavers Cove Energy.
State allows offshore LNG plan to proceed — The Herald News, Fall River, MA
Webmaster’s Comments: Weavers Cove Energy, Downeast LNG, and Calais LNG are all pursuing unneeded, superfluous projects. They continue to ignore the natural gas glut and lack of demand for their projects.
Kogas, Kitimat LNG sign gas supply agreement — PennEnergy, Tulsa, OK
Webmaster’s Comments: Kitimat LNG is a North American liquefaction & export terminal. North America is swimming in so much natural gas, it is exporting LNG to Asia.
Governor questions review of Coos Bay gas pipeline — The Oregonian, Portland, OR
False premise dept.: The unfortunate myth of 'Renewables Now!' [Opinion column] — Statesman Journal, Salem, OR
"The greatest homage we can pay to truth is to use it."
— Ralph Waldo Emerson, 19th Century American philosopher and essayist
Webmaster’s Comments: Column author Edward A. Finklea, himself, needs a dose of Emerson’s medicine. There already are abundant supplies of natural gas — a natural gas glut. Importing LNG makes no economic or environmental sense.
Take foot off the gas, analysts warn (Jun 2) — The Age, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
[T]he surge of gas production in the US from non-conventional sources, notably shale, had closed off that market to imports, as well as driving down gas prices. [Red, yellow & bold emphasis added.]
Time for innovation in LNG (Jun) — Petroleum Economist, London, England, UK [Paid subscription required]
Prices have fallen for three main reasons: economic recession has lowered demand; several new LNG export projects are being commissioned; and US producers established very large commercial resources of unconventional (primarily shale) gas. [Red & bold emphasis added.]
Tests find LNG tanks resilient — Fairplay, Lloyd's Register, Surrey, England, UK [Paid subscription required]
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