City takes stand against Broadwater liquefied natural gas terminal

(6/29/2006) The Public Safety Committee of the Board of Aldermen held a public hearing on June 28 regarding Broadwater Energy’s proposal to construct a liquefied natural gas terminal in Long Island Sound. The committee is currently deliberating on an Aldermanic resolution that would object to the Broadwater plan.

The proposed project would be a facility for the transportation of liquefied natural gas, the first project of its kind in Long Island Sound. The Board of Aldermen has raised concerns about the environmental implications of the facility, as well as the restrictions it would place on navigation around the Sound for shipping and transportation needs.

Mayor John DeStefano, Jr. has also expressed worries that the proposed natural gas terminal would be dismissive of local needs and risky for the environment. “We need a plan that will cope with rising energy costs without posing a threat to our natural resources.” he said. “I’m not sure this is the answer.”

Under the Broadwater plan, about 75% of the terminal’s natural gas would go to residents in the state of New York, while only 25% would find its way to Connecticut, according to the Board of Aldermen’s resolution.

The Aldermanic resolution also calls upon the State of Connecticut to give priority to environmentally-sustainable energy initiatives over proposals based on fossil fuels.

Connecticut Attorney General Richard Blumenthal testified against the Broadwater proposal at the hearing.