Senators Ted Kennedy and John Kerry, joined by Reps. Jim McGovern and Barney Frank, today expressed disappointment in a preliminary letter by Coast Guard Commander Raymond Perry which asserts that the Weaver's Cove Energy proposal for an offshore LNG terminal fulfills navigation and safety requirements.
-This is certainly a set-back, but we won't give up the battle against this project,- said Senator Kennedy. -We've just had the Taunton River designated as a Wild and Scenic River, and there are major concerns about sensitive stocks of fish in the area. It makes no sense to undermine the river and these essential fishing habitats this way.-
-The security questions alone should stop this project in its tracks. Hundreds of thousands of people in Fall River and towns up and down the Taunton River have sounded the alarm bells,- said Senator Kerry. -This LNG terminal shouldn't go forward now or ever and we will continue to do everything in our power to make sure it doesn't.-
-While we obviously disagree with this preliminary determination, there are still several hurdles that the ‘off-shore' proposal faces,- Rep. McGovern said. -From the new Wild and Scenic designation to the Commerce Department's concerns about the fishing industry to the safety issues raised by cryogenic piping, we will continue to do everything we can to stop this misguided idea.-
-I am disappointed in the Coast Guard's preliminary finding,- said Congressman Frank. -I will continue to work with my colleagues to prevent the construction of this ill-advised project.-
The Coast Guard recommendation, which according to the letter -has no enforcement status,- is nevertheless a necessary hurdle for the offshore LNG proposal.
Over a period of several years, the Massachusetts legislators have strongly opposed proposals to build an LNG terminal in Fall River. Their joint effort has been instrumental in forcing a thorough environmental and safety review of the Fall River site. The proposal for a land-based terminal failed to get the necessary clearances, so Weaver's Cove Energy introduced a new proposal that would locate the LNG platform offshore and would transport natural gas to Fall River via pipe.
