Maine's Federal delegation still fails to answer

Posted 2006 May 3
Updated 2007 April 14
Updated 2009 May 21

US Congressman Barney Frank from Massachusetts stated "from what I’m told the Maine members of the delegation are for the proposal up there," (2006 May 3 Herald News). It was unclear if Rep. Frank meant that the Maine delegation is in favor of the LNG proposals in Passamaquoddy Bay, or the Fall River proposal.

On 2006 May 3 we asked Sen. Snowe, Sen. Collins, Rep. Michaud, and Rep. Allen for clarification of their individual positions on the LNG proposals in Passamaquoddy Bay.

On May 11 we received a timely reply from Congressman Michaud — but Michaud didn't answer our question!

On June 7, over a month after sending our request, we received a joint response from Senators Snowe & Collins, and like Congressman Michaud — Snowe & Collins didn't answer our question!

Up until he was defeated from office, Congressman Allen never gave us the courtesy of a response. (See our Note.)

Each member of our elected federal delegation owes the Maine public the courtesy of honest answers to honest questions:

  1. Do you, or don't you, favor LNG facilities in Passamaquoddy Bay?
     
    Additional Questions that we have subsequently (June 7) asked our delegation — with the exception of Rep. Allen:
     
  2. Since LNG-related safety is a serious concern of citizens of Maine and the U.S., will you appoint a staff person to study the world-class Society of International Gas Tanker and Terminal Operators (SIGTTO) LNG-industry best-practices standards for LNG terminal siting? Those standards are subscribed to by over 90% of the world's LNG capacity. The SIGTTO standards are designed by the LNG industry to provide safety to the public, safety to the product and the industry, and to enhance energy security;
     
  3. Once your staff has studied the SIGTTO standards, will you advocate for FERC adherence to those SIGTTO terminal-siting standards, rather than allowing FERC to continue to ignore SIGTTO's 2004 offer of assistance (PDF);
     
  4. Will you author or cosponsor legislation requiring FERC to abide by the SIGTTO LNG terminal-siting standards, so that Maine and the U.S. public can be more assured of its safety and security than under the current "free-for-all" siting procedure?
     
    Note: Following is a list of some LNG terminal sites that violate SIGTTO LNG-terminal safe siting standards:
    1. Everett, MA (existing)
    2. Fall River, MA (recently approved by FERC)
    3. Elba Island, GA (existing)
    4. Quoddy Bay LLC, Passamaquoddy Bay, Sipayik, ME (proposed)
    5. Downeast LNG, Passamaquoddy Bay, Robbinston, ME (proposed)
    6. Calais LNG, Saint Croix River, tributary to Passamaquoddy Bay, Red Beach, Calais, ME (proposed)

SIGTTO's published terminal siting standards indicate in dozens of places that Passamaquoddy Bay is an inappropriate location for an LNG terminal and for LNG vessel transit (PDF).

NOTE: Regular U.S. Postal Service to members of Congress is being delayed for extended periods, due to biohazard security screenings. It is more expedient to send post to in-state offices.

"No" to the PeopleSnowe gives
No Answer to
the People
U.S. Senator Olympia J. Snowe
Washington
Toll Free in Maine: (800) 432-1599
(202) 224-5344 · Fax: (202) 224-1946
Bangor, ME 04401
One Cumberland Place, Suite 306
(207) 945-0432 · Fax: (207) 941-9525
Email Webform 
"No" to the PeopleCollins gives
No Answer to
the People
U.S. Senator Susan Collins
Washington
(202) 224-2523 · Fax: (202) 224-2693
Bangor, ME 04402
202 Harlow Suite, Room 204
(207) 945-0417
Email Webform
"No" to the PeopleMichaud gives
No Answer to
the People
U.S. Congressman Mike Michaud
Washington
(202) 225-6306 · Fax: (202) 225-2943
Bangor, ME 04401
23 Water Street Suite 205
(207) 942-6935 · Fax: (207) 942-5907
Email Webform
We have not yet asked Rep. Pingree her position on this issue.
U.S. Congresswoman Chellie Pingree
Washington
(202) 225-6116 · Fax: (202) 225-5590 
Portland, ME 04101
57 Exchange Street, Suite 302
(207) 774-5019 · Fax: (207) 871-0720
Email Webform
"No" to the PeopleAllen did't even
respond to
the People

Tom Allen was defeated by Chellie Pingree in 2008

U.S. Congressman Thomas Allen
Washington
Toll Free in Maine: (888) 862-6500
(202) 225-6116 · Fax: (202) 225-5590
Portland, ME 04101
57 Exchange Street, Suite 302
(207) 774-5019 · Fax: (207) 871-0720
Email Webform

Note: We realize that Congressman Allen doesn't currently represent the Passamaquoddy Bay area of Maine; however, Allen is running against Susan Collins, for her US Senate seat. If he were to win, residents of the Passamaquoddy Bay area would be his constituents. Even so, Tom Allen won't even respond to our questions. Although Sen. Collins won't answer our questions, after asking multiple times, at least she had the courtesy to reply.

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