Ruppersberger Supports Feds’ Request to Delay LNG Decision

(Washington, D.C.)- Congressman C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger (D-MD) supports the federal government’s request to delay a decision about the proposed liquefied natural gas (LNG) facility at Sparrows Point in eastern Baltimore County.  Congressman Ruppersberger backs the Department of the Interior’s finding that construction of the plant will threaten bay species.  The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) is expected to issue its decision this month.

In a letter dated January 6, 2009, the U.S. Department of the Interior recommended FERC hold off on making a decision stating, “There are unanswered questions related to the federally listed, endangered, and threatened species that may be affected by this project.”  If constructed, the LNG facility would be located in an environmentally sensitive area of the Chesapeake Bay.  Congressman Ruppersberger believes this development, together with the strong security concerns, warrant a delay.  LNG is a hazardous fuel that can explode when ignited.  The proposed site is less than two miles from the residential neighborhoods of Dundalk, Turner’s Station, and Edgemere.  In addition, the company behind the proposal wants Maryland taxpayers to foot much of the bill for any new security procedures even though the natural gas would be pumped out of state

“I have said from the very beginning this proposed liquefied natural gas plant is absolutely inappropriate for this residential area.  The plant will threaten endangered species but we must also consider the threat to human life.  The residents of the neighboring communities will live in the shadow of the facility and be forced to live in fear.  There could be an accident or a terrorist attack at the plant or on the tankers that travel up the Chesapeake Bay,” said Congressman C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger (D-MD).     

An Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) was issued in December ignoring these safety concerns, but allowing the approval process to move forward.  Last year, the Coast Guard issued a report critical of AES, the company that wants to build the facility, for not having a comprehensive safety or security plan.  The Coast Guard report found that AES does not appear to be taking security seriously and assumes the Coast Guard will handle all security at taxpayer expense.  The Coast Guard is already patrolling the LNG facility at Cove Point and the Calvert Cliff’s Nuclear Power Plant in Calvert County.  In addition, Congressman Ruppersberger believes an LNG facility would harm a multi-million dollar revitalization effort on the Eastside of Baltimore County and the restrictions on recreational boat traffic could hurt the quality of life of area residents. 

Congressman Ruppersberger is a Member of the Intelligence Committee and Chair of the Port Security Caucus. The proposed site of the LNG facility is located in Maryland’s 2nd Congressional District.  Congressman Ruppersberger has contacted every agency involved in the approval process and urged them to deny the application, including the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), the Army Corp of Engineers, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the Coast Guard. 

The letter from the United States Department of the Interior is attached.

Click here to view the letter from the United States Department of Interior.

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