by Gina Marie Cronin
Long Island’s oceans are in danger due to a proposal that is currently under review. Liberty Natural Gas is looking to put a liquefied natural gas (LNG) port 18 miles off the shore of Long Beach that connects to a pipeline off the coast of the Rockaways, in Queens, explains Patrick Robbins, of Sane Energy Project. Although it is claimed that the Port Ambrose LNG—as it is called—will make imported gas available to residents of surrounding areas, the evidence of such has not been substantiated. Instead, it will likely serve as a station to export fracked gas overseas to obtain higher prices in foreign markets. The project also makes claims of providing jobs locally, but the No LNG Coalition has found that only six long-term jobs will be created, and these may be filled by company workers from out of state.
While the LNG port fails to offer gas and jobs locally, it succeeds in posing a very real threat to the environment and security of the entire Northeast. For one, situated so close to JFK Airport and New York City, the port would be a prime terrorist target. The Coast Guard has actually stopped the clock on the review process a number of times because of insufficient environmental and safety details. It would also be detrimental to marine life and habitats, as LNG is extremely toxic. In the case of a natural disaster, like Hurricane Sandy, there would be potential for leakage and explosions.
The proposal has to go through environmental and state reviews, and there is no clear date as to when the waiting period will end. N.J. Gov. Chris Christie has already vetoed the port proposal in February 2011 when it was under a different name. N.Y. Gov. Andrew Cuomo has remained quiet throughout and has not clearly expressed his stance.
It is crucial for residents in opposition to take action immediately by calling Cuomo at 518-474-8390 and Christie at 609-292-6000 and asking them to veto the Port Ambrose LNG. Also, visit NolngCoalition.org and SaneEnergyProject. org to learn more, sign the petition and share through social media. Help break the silence and make way for a safe and clean energy future on Long Island.
Gina Marie Cronin is a staff writer for Natural Awakenings Long Island, as well as a meditation practitioner and guide.
