Governor critical of hard line on LNG
Published Wednesday September 16th, 2009
SAINT JOHN - The governor of Maine says the Canadian government is unfairly taking a hard line on plans for liquefied natural gas terminals near the New Brunswick-Maine border.
In Saint John on Tuesday, John Baldacci said the government is flatly rejecting the controversial projects, without waiting for the federal regulator in the United States to weigh their merits.
Instead, Baldacci contends Ottawa is letting heated emotions and rural politics determine its position on the LNG issue.
Baldacci, in Saint John for two days of meetings between eastern Canadian premiers and New England governors, said both Canadian and American officials should respect the ultimate decision of the U.S. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC).
"There's a process to follow," he told the Telegraph-Journal in an interview. "It just seems like this particular issue is transcending the process. It seems like Ottawa is sending signals that it is not going to adhere to the process through FERC.
"That to me is unacceptable."
Baldacci said the two countries must follow the rules set out for cross-border disputes - whether they involve LNG or lumber or potatoes.
"You can't pick and choose," he said. "It just seems like this is being done more on emotions and local politics."
The LNG debate mainly centres around a proposed terminal in Robbinston, Maine - directly across from St. Andrews on the Canadian side of the Passamaquoddy Bay.
That project, being developed by Downeast LNG, is now being considered by FERC. A second LNG project in the Calais area is also proposed, but has not yet been presented to FERC for consideration.
The Canadian government has already said it will forbid LNG tankers to enter the Bay.
The federal government considers the area internal waters, but it is also the only route available for tankers to access the proposed terminal sites in Maine.
On Tuesday, Baldacci was quick to dismiss Ottawa's argument.
"I don't think it's a legal position," he said. "The federal regulator is not going to make a decision that's bad for either side, because this is something we're both going to have to live with."
Baldacci said the province must file all of its complaints and concerns with FERC, and then let the regulator make the final decision.
"But once they've made their decision, that's it," he said.
Premier Shawn Graham appears to agree with Baldacci's take on the issue - let FERC figure it out.
"We're not against the construction of LNG plants, as long as they're properly sited," Graham said Tuesday. "Our major concern is that "¦ this project could have a negative impact on our economy and on security issues on this side of the border."
Still, Graham said the issue should be decided by FERC.
"We've always stated that the process must be followed and respected," he said. "We'll let the process unfold."
The proposed LNG projects remain contentious in the Passamaquoddy Bay area. Local groups contend the LNG terminals and incoming tankers would jeopardize the area's fishery, aquaculture, tourism and recreation sectors.
The large tankers would have to pass through Head Harbour Passage, between the northern tip of Campobello Island and Deer Island. At points it is no more than 600 metres wide and is known for unpredictable conditions. The area is also notorious for its powerful tides, whirlpools and fog.
Dean Girdis, president of Downeast LNG, has previously said the Graham government's take on LNG development reeks of hypocrisy. Girdis said the province unfairly supports the LNG terminal in Saint John - all while vehemently opposing proposed LNG projects in Maine.
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This is a unique and important place for whales, fish, birds, invertebrates and the thousands of humans that are supported by our "eco-economy" that brings in well over a half billion $ each year.
Turning Quoddy into an industrial port and production centre is just not a sensible option for most of us. See ilovequoddywild.blogspot.com for the real reason we are protecting this unique and special place from the uninformed. Currently Head Harbour Passage is plugged with whales, birds, fish and other marine life including endangered right whales.
And we are following the rules ... Canada's. We are a sovereign country - aren't we? We don't need another, literally, volatile border. Dumb!
Since when does a US regulatory body have control over Canadian waters? This is just dumb. We don't have to do ANYTHING that FERC says. Ottawa will not allow tanker passage in the bay. Period. Find another location for the terminal.
Why is it such a big deal to put it further down the coast into Maine? You still need to build a pipeline either way. I don't get it.
They are still trying to " Ram It In", boy, are they trying.
Do we have the stuff to stand up to this onslaught? Remember that they are getting really desperate. So much noise equates to real exasperation on their part.
Trying to move these tankers through Head Harbour Passage eis insanity.
LNG tankers traversing Head Harbor Passage is sheer stupidity. And, just imagine what the regular passage of these behemoths, complete with a two mile exclusion zone and armed escort vessels would do for tourism in St. Andrews, fishing and marine animals, and the overall quality of life in the area.
Baldacci has been shilling for LNG for over five years. I lived through it in Harpswell, Maine. We had the Maine government trying to force it down our throats, and the most disgraceful local government imaginable doing the same.
I say hooray for Canada -- please stand firm against these horrible lNG projects.
What is it they don't "get"? Don't they realize that Head Harbour Passage is very narrow and is also the feeding grounds for all types of whales (including the endangered right whale), porpoise, etc. Ilovequoddy.blogspot.com shows it all.
Why is Maine trying to shove something down the Canadian's throats? Why try to industrialize an area that is not industrialized and never should be? Canada is excercising it's rights to protect it's people and the local economy. Unfortunately, as many of us along the Maine coast know Maine is NOT doing the same thing due to the likes of Sen. Collins and Gov. Baldacci, the latter who speaks with forked tongue. It started in Harpswell then moved slowly up the coast finally landing on Passamaquoddy Bay.
St. Andrews is favorite spot in Canada. Let's not ruin it because of U.S. carpetbaggers!