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Fight planned for LNG decision — Gloucester County Times, Woodbury, NJ
LOGAN TWP. — The state will take exception to a controversial Supreme Court [Special Master] conclusion that allows Delaware jurisdiction over joint waterways up to New Jersey's shoreline.
"We are in the business of permitting (piers)," said [John Hughes, Delaware Secretary of the Department of Natural Resources]. "In my read, I can't issue a Delaware permit because the future use of the dock is bulk transport which is not permitted under the Delaware Coastal Zone Act."
Would natural gas plant benefit Md.? — The Capital, Annapolis, MD
AES Corp., the Arlington, Va.-based developer of the $400 million project, will need to quantify how the gas imports would lower customers' bills if they hope to sway the governor, according to a spokesman.
During peak periods [when natural gas is frequently used to generate power], electricity can sometimes hit $1,000 a megawatt, 10 times average costs.
Wholesale natural gas prices nearly doubled between 2001 and 2005, according to the Energy Information Administration, hitting $7.33 for a thousand cubic feet at the wellhead. By the time that gas reaches residential customers, its price has risen to nearly $13.
Along with Maryland Reps. Dutch Ruppersberger D-Baltimore County and Elijah Cummings, D-Howard County, Mr. Sarbanes proposed legislation to allow state and local governments to veto new liquefied natural gas facilities in their backyards, overruling the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. [Red emphasis added.] (Apr 28)
Congressmen, Senators sponsor bill to block LNG terminal — WBAL, Baltimore, MD
Maryland Second District Congressman Dutch Ruppersberger is the U.S. House co-sponsor sponsor of legislation that would give state and local officials the final say over approval of liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminals, similar to the one proposed for the Dundalk area.
Maryland's two U.S. Senators are sponsoring a Senate version of the bill. (Apr 26)
Florida steps into global market for natural gas — Sarasota Herald-Tribune, Sarasota, FL
WASHINGTON -- Workers in Georgia are expected to turn a valve in early May that will send up to 220 million cubic feet of natural gas per day through a new 167-mile pipeline to the power-hungry state of Florida.
The big question is whether reliance on imported LNG will keep prices high or even raise them further. [Red emphasis added.] (Apr 29)
Webmaster's Comments: Contrary to the issue addressed in the above story, LNG proponents frequently advocate that imported LNG will lower the price of natural gas, or keep it lower.
Armed vessels on the Columbia an unwelcome vision — The Daily News, Longview, WA
The LNG ships are expected to arrive at the terminal, which is yet to be approved by federal officials, about twice each week. And, although the Coast Guard won't say what kind of armaments the escorts would include, it has been known to use small vessels mounted with M-60 machine guns on the river. (Apr 27)
Effects of U.S. Supreme Court decision unclear — LNG Law Blog, Washington, DC
Citing investor concerns over new coal-based power plants, [U.S. Energy Information Administrator Guy Caruso] suggested that stricter penalties for carbon emissions could benefit LNG importers, but that clean-coal technology or high gas prices could lessen the advantages of LNG.
LNG industry urged to promote safety record — The Chronicle Herald, Halifax, NS
"It is easy to dismiss the concerns of elected officials and the general public as Nimbyism (not in my backyard) or Bananaism (build absolutely nothing anywhere near anything). However, to do so contributes to the lack of dialogue between the industry and the community and ensures that there will be no public acceptance of a project." [Red emphasis added.] (Apr 27)
Webmaster's Comments: The LNG industry's own standards (as published by SIGTTO) — for dozens of reasons — recommend against siting terminals under the conditions present in Passamaquoddy Bay. Calling opposition to LNG in Passamaquoddy Bay "NIMBYism" is condemning the LNG industry, itself.
U.S. terminals continue record pace — LNG Law Blog, Washington, DC
According to NATS Weekly Data Pack, U.S. terminals processed more LNG (89.7 Bcf) in April than in any previous month.
Algeria set to be a top LNG exporter by 2011 — Reuters, GulfNews.com, United Arab Emerates
Algiers: Algeria, a main liquefied natural gas (LNG) source for Europe and the United States, will expand its output capacity to be a top LNG exporter by 2011, its Energy Minister Chakib Khelil told state radio yesterday.
Spot market for LNG growing as hurdles remain — Reuters, Gulf Times, Doha, Qatar
“There are now serious concerns there will be a supply crunch by 2010.”
With the cost of building liquefaction plants in producer countries escalating, on the back of higher steel and nickel prices, some projects will be shelved.
…there is a growing shortage of trained seafarers to crew [LNG ships], James MacHardy, secretary general of the gas tanker operators society SIGTTO warned.
It takes a decade to train a skilled LNG operator and trainers are also in short supply, he said. [Red emphasis added.] (Apr 29)
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Fishermen tackle LNG — Saint Croix Courier, St. Stephen, NB
Fundy North Fishermen's Association and Fundy Weir Fishermen's Association, both from Southwest New Brunswick, have teamed up to intervene in the State of Maine Board of Environmental Protection (BEP) hearings on the proposed liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminals in Passamaquoddy Bay.
Light and noise pollution could severely impact the herring weir fishery.
All fisheries could lose ecologically valuable larvae, feed, and plankton when each tanker sucks up millions of gallons of ballast water from the Bay as they unload their LNG cargo.
Large numbers of fishermen from both New Brunswick and Maine fish for lobster and other species in the Grand Manan Channel, and would be severely impacted by tanker route exclusion zones.
LNG supply puts Goldboro startup date "under review’ — The Chronicle Herald, Halifax, NS
"The supply situation is having an effect on the whole industry. It’s a question of timing," Mr. Bonini said in an interview after a meeting with ExxonMobil officials in Barcelona at a global LNG conference.
In the absence of a secure supply agreement, Mr. Bonini said the construction schedule at Goldboro is again "under review." Earlier, the terminal’s projected start date was pushed back a year to 2011
Conference delegates have repeatedly heard that the scramble for LNG supplies is getting messier.
Analysts also warn that exporting countries are increasingly keeping their supplies for domestic use or for future generations.
A global LNG expert told the conference that the outlook appears to be bleak for new projects trying to find a gas supply. [Red emphasis added.] (Apr 26)
Hearing examines LNG safety — Baltimore Sun, Baltimore, MD
Gov. Martin O'Malley said the state's billion-dollar economic engine at the port of Baltimore would be crippled if anything went wrong at a proposed liquefied natural gas facility on Sparrows Point. Baltimore County Executive James T. Smith Jr. predicted that local emergency responders could not begin to evacuate residents and workers or fight a fire at the plant. (Apr 24)
Cheniere, Gaz de France make LNG supply and purchase deals — Rigzone.com
Cheniere Marketing and GDF Trading will be entitled to sell one cargo per month to the other party on an ex-ship basis at the at the Isle of Grain LNG terminal, located in the U.K., and the Cheniere Sabine Pass LNG terminal located in the US Gulf of Mexico, respectively. The agreements have a term of 15 years….
Cheniere Energy, Inc. is developing a network of three LNG receiving terminals and related natural gas pipelines along the Gulf Coast of the United States. (Apr 26)
Save some gas for us, exporters — The Anchorage Daily News, Anchorage, AK
Gov. Sarah Palin supports letting Conoco Phillips and Marathon export liquefied natural gas from their plant on the Kenai Peninsula for another two years, provided they set aside enough natural gas to supply Southcentral consumers.
The LNG plant is a huge consumer of Cook Inlet's natural gas supply, taking more than one-third of the annual production, or as much as is used to create electricity and heat Southcentral homes and businesses combined. [Red and bold emphasis added.] (Apr 24)
Webmaster's Comments: This demonstrates only some of the fuel-inefficiencies of relying on LNG, as compared to plain natural gas.
LNG shipping still booming, says James A MacHardy, Secretary General of the Society of International Gas Tankers and Terminal Operators (SIGGTO [sic, "SIGTTO"]) [News release] — LNG 15, Sedigas, Spanish Gas Association, Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona, 26 April 2007 — James A MacHardy, Secretary General [sic] of the Society of International Gas Tankers and Terminal Operators (SIGTTO), began the third day of LNG15 with an analysis of the current state-of–play of LNG transport and terminals. SIGTTO is made up of 159 members who between them account for 95% of the world’s LNG transport and terminals.
The biggest problem for projects that are just beginning or being expanded is finding qualified seafarers. [Red & bold emphasis added.]
Webmaster's Comments: "SIGTTO" was consistently misspelled in the news release, and has been corrected in the citations above.
SIGTTO General Manager MacHardy sent a letter in 2004 to FERC, offering assistance regarding LNG safety. There has been no indication that FERC has accepted the SIGTTO offer.
Staff retention vital to maintain safety record — LNG 15 News, Sedigas, Spanish Gas Association, Barcelona, Spain
LNG emergency preparedness and industry sustainability discussed at LNG 15 — LNG Law Blog, Washington, DC
[Phani Raj of Technology Management Systems, Inc.] urged the industry to "make every effort to convince the public" that LNG is comparable to the gasoline that the public uses and relies on every day.
LNG15: Industry must clear obstacles to new supply — Oil & Gas Journal, Tulsa, OK
BARCELONA, Apr. 24 -- Speakers on the first day of the 15th Conference & Exhibition on LNG in Barcelona warned attendees that the ability of their industry to supply LNG was in serious question.
In short, medium, and long-term, natural gas supply adequacy remains in doubt and will constrain growth of LNG. [Red emphasis added.] (Apr 24)
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How advanced is the LNG technology that FERC can deny comments about its affect? [Blog] — Nulankeyutomonen Nkihtahkomikumon, Sipayik
What is constant is that Split Rock is a cultural and ceremonial gathering ground, which makes it indeed relevant to "the general background" of the land – we are as much a part of the land as we are the "heartland" waters that have sustained us. [Red emphasis added.] (Apr 25)
Holy waterscapes [Blog] — Nulankeyutomonen Nkihtahkomikumon, Sipayik
Within the reality that each of us now face — global climate change — our work is even more critical for creating justice for Indigenous people facing environmental and cultural destruction. For us, environmental racism is DownEast LNG and Quoddy Bay LNG both vying to control our inherent wealth — our holy waterscapes — our sense of place — our dignity — our heartland — simply because the Governor of Maine thinks it's best. [Red emphasis added.] (Apr 10)
LNG protesters greet FERC officials — Bangor Daily News, Bangor, ME
Protesters at Pleasant Point carried signs reading "This Land is Not For Sale" and "Leaders Selling out to Big Business" and they sang songs in their native Passamaquoddy language as company officials from the Oklahoma-based Quoddy Bay LNG tried to tell federal staffers about their multimillion-dollar project. (Apr 25)
Harbor island LNG plan dead, foe says — The Boston Globe, Boston, MA
"We just don't have to crush an important part of this national park to meet the energy needs of the nation," said Bruce Berman of the nonprofit group Save the Harbor/Save the Bay, an opponent. "There are other options."
Hull LNG foes win: Plan is pulled - Energy company says opponents doomed its proposal — The Patriot Ledger, Quincy, MA
BOSTON - The company that sparked an uproar over its plan to build a liquefied natural gas terminal off the coast of Hull in Boston Harbor says it has withdrawn the plan.
Global energy giant AES Corp. of Arlington, Va., said yesterday that it has given up on the attempt to built an LNG plant two miles from Hull and 10 miles from downtown Boston.
AES managing director Aaron Samson said opposition to putting an LNG terminal on a state and national island park spelled doom for the proposal. (Apr 25)
Council's LNG opposition sent to Coast Guard — Jamestown Press, Jamestown, RI
"The Town Council of the Town of Jamestown has consistently opposed the Weaver's Cove LNG proposal and writes this letter to inform you of our ongoing opposition to this project based on the negative environmental, economic and disruptive navigational and recreational impacts this project will have on Narragansett Bay and our community," according to the letter.
Save The Bay is among several organizations opposing the LNG project because of dredging as well as security zones for the tankers while in area waterways. It recently launched its own website for opposition, www.stopweaverscove. com.
Final word is sought on LNG — The Baltimore Sun, Baltimore, MD
Yesterday…Maryland's two United States senators announced a plan to reorder who has the last word on the matter.
"What's happening with the LNG plant proposed in Dundalk is a classic example of why state and local governments need to be involved in the process," Sen. Benjamin L. Cardin said in a telephone interview yesterday.
"This isn't aimed at the Sparrows Point project, it's aimed at the process," said Cardin, adding that he will continue to support other efforts to stop the Sparrows Point project. (Apr 25)
Regasification vessels offer flexibility — LNG Law Blog, Washington, DC
The vessels…allow shippers to deliver gas at offshore points, away from densely populated and environmentally sensitive areas.
Sutherland's Global LNG Group to present regarding LNG pricing at Platts 6th annual Liquefied Natural Gas Conference — Sutherland, Asbill & Brennan, Washington, DC
Sutherland Partner Thomas H. Warren will speak at the Platts 6th Annual Liquefied Natural Gas Conference, May 21-22, 2007 at the Hilton Post Oak in Houston, Texas regarding "Evolving Netback Pricing in LNG Sale and Purchase Agreements (SPAs)." (Apr 25)
Webmaster's Comments: Sutherland, Asbill & Brennan is the lawfirm representing the Province of New Brunswick as an intervenor in the Passamaquoddy Bay LNG projects' FERC proceedings.
LNG firm begs feds to 'disregard' state concerns — The Daily Astorian, Astoria, OR
"The Emergency Services Report contains valid concerns that communities along the river just don't have the police and fire capacity to deal with the day-to-day safety problems with LNG tankers, much less dealing with a terrorist attack or explosion," said Astoria resident Peter Huhtala.
The Energy Policy Act of 2005 directs LNG developers to draw up a formal Emergency Response Plan detailing what local resources are needed and how the costs will be covered. According to Tamara Young-Allen, a FERC spokeswoman, the plan is not approved at the same time as the federal LNG terminal license. Allen said after the five-member commission has decided upon a proposal, the decision to approve the ERP is delegated to the director of energy projects. (Apr 25)
Webmaster's Comments: The news article is misleading. The Energy Policy Act of 2005 does not specify that the LNG developer develop a comprehensive Emergency Response Plan. There is no minimum requirement specified in the Act for an Emergency Response Plan outside the terminal, or that the developer pay even a penny in reimbursement.
Quoting directly from the Energy Policy Act of 2005:
‘‘(e)(1) In any order authorizing an LNG terminal the Commission shall require the LNG terminal operator to develop an Emergency Response Plan. The Emergency Response Plan shall be prepared in consultation with the United States Coast Guard and State and local agencies and be approved by the Commission prior to any final approval to begin construction. The Plan shall include a cost-sharing plan.
‘‘(2) A cost-sharing plan developed under paragraph (1) shall include a description of any direct cost reimbursements that the applicant agrees to provide to any State and local agencies with responsibility for security and safety—
‘‘(A) at the LNG terminal; and
‘‘(B) in proximity to vessels that serve the facility.’’.
Sacramento LNG session is rescheduled — Ventura County Star, Ventura, CA
The gathering in Sacramento originally was scheduled for April 10, but Holden asked city officials to scuttle the meeting after Councilman Tim Flynn insisted on attending. Holden worried that three members of the panel constituted a quorum and, without proper legal notice, a potential violation of state open-meeting laws.
In recent hearings, the State Lands Commission and California Coastal Commission rejected the company's proposal. BHP Billiton, however, will also need approvals from the Federal Maritime Administration and Schwarzenegger. The governor has until May 21 to make a decision.
Cardin, Mikulski propose bill to shift LNG siting power to states — Platts [Free registration required]
The bill, S. 1174, would gut a part of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 that solidified the US Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's final permit authority over LNG projects. Under the Cardin/Mikulski bill, FERC could not act before getting consent from the state agencies charged with assessing environmental and land-use issues.
The senators said their bill would give states the same veto authority for onshore LNG proposals that they now enjoy for projects proposed off their shores under the Deepwater Port Act.
A recent report by the Government Accountability Office, Congress' research arm, questioned the adequacy of federal data on the potential LNG hazards, Mikulski noted. "Yet federal agencies are all too quick to rubber-stamp these facilities," she said. [Red emphasis added.] (Apr 24)
EPA relaxes air pollution rules for oil industry [News release] — CommonDreams.org
WASHINGTON - In a major victory for the oil industry, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has adopted looser air pollution limits for sprawling petroleum production and exploration operations, according to an agency order released today by Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility (PEER). As a result, petroleum facilities will be allowed to emit additional tons of hydrocarbons each day.
MacClarence, a 20-year environmental engineer, had persuaded the State of Alaska to require aggregation in the BP permit, but under intense lobbying from the Alaska Oil & Gas Association, the state reversed its stand in July 2003. Initially, EPA echoed those concerns but eventually also reversed its position. In the order, EPA Administrator Johnson denied that his agency "altered its position on aggregation ...because of aggressive lobbying by the Alaska oil and gas industry…" but admitted that "EPA did meet with the applicant, at the applicant's request, on two occasions to discuss aggregation…" (Apr 25)
Pro-offshore US drilling bills won't pass before 2009: Barton — Platts [Free registration required]
The ranking Republican on the US House Energy and Commerce Committee, Joe Barton, said Wednesday there is "not a prayer of a chance" for any legislation authorizing additional offshore oil and natural gas exploration and development to pass this session of Congress. (Apr 25)
Europe strategically located for securing its supply of LNG, says Rune Bjørnson, Executive Vice-President of Statoil, at the LNG15 Conference — LNG 15, Sedigas, Spanish Gas Association, Barcelona, Spain
Bjørnson stated that “reserves of natural gas are huge”, but he believes there is a big disparity between the geographical location of producer areas and their consumer markets. (Apr 25)
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Chasing a supply of LNG — The Chronicle Herald, Halifax, NS
Jorge Ciacciarelli, Canaport LNG general manager, says it is "essential" for anyone involved in the LNG business to be at this world event, which is held every three years.
"It’s one of the most important LNG conferences because all the suppliers and major companies working in LNG will be there," said Mr. Ciacciarelli in a recent telephone interview from his office in Saint John.
Energy industry experts predict many North American projects will fail to obtain [LNG] supplies over the next few years. [Red emphasis added.]
Quoddy Bay LNG inks deal with tribe — Bangor Daily News, Bangor, ME
The parcel of land will be sold to Quoddy Bay LNG if its project receives approval from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and the state Board of Environmental Protection. [Red and bold emphasis added.] (Apr 21)
Mass. steps up climate rules for developers — The Boston Globe, Boston, MA
Effective immediately, developers planning projects large enough to warrant a state environmental review will have to assess how the projects contribute to the pollution that leads to global warming, Environmental Affairs Secretary Ian A. Bowles told the Globe.
The review process could change dramatically with the consideration of greenhouse gases, possibly allowing the state to prevent construction of certain developments, such as a power plant. In the past, the proponent of a power plant had to demonstrate why it should be built at a certain spot. Now, the applicant may also need to show why the plant would need to burn coal; for example, rather than generate electricity from solar.
"Right now, you can [ask] -- whether it's an LNG project or a power plant -- is there an alternative that's more environmentally sound?" [Red emphasis added.] (Apr 22)
Don’t try to put anything over on this town — New York Times, New York, NY
…Branford has led the opposition against a proposal by Broadwater Energy, a partnership of Shell Oil and TransCanada, to build a floating liquefied natural gas terminal about 10 miles south of Branford in New York State waters. Since the project was proposed two years ago, Branford residents have repeatedly turned out at meetings to oppose it, most notably in January, when more than 700 residents packed the high school auditorium in a session that went past midnight.
“Rather than at a breaking point, Branford is probably more galvanized and unified than it was five years ago,” said John E. Opie, 59, an engineer who is a lifelong resident and a Republican selectman. “I don’t see any weakening in our spirit. I think it’s toughened us.” (Apr 22)
Connecticut Attorney General takes Broadwater fight to New York — AllAmericanPatriots.com
"Our two states have a huge common stake in this shared threat," Blumenthal said. "My hope is that New York will join Connecticut in vehemently and vigorously opposing a project imperiling the scenic and visual quality of the public trust lands and waters of the Sound. Its sheer scale will blight the visual quality of miles of coastline of the Sound. It will be visible from both shores as the largest man-made object in the Sound, permanently scarring the horizon." (Apr 20)
Broadwater's protection focus of May hearing — Newsday.com
A congressional subcommittee plans a hearing May 7 on Long Island on whether the Coast Guard can protect facilities such as the proposed Broadwater liquefied-natural-gas terminal in Long Island Sound.
Meanwhile, the chief executive of the Long Island Power Authority, a potential customer for the terminal's gas, criticized as premature a recent vote of conditional support for Broadwater by the Island's largest business organization, of which LIPA is a member. [Red emphasis added.] (Apr 19)
Feds, Coast Guard say LNG plant needs more review — Baltimore Business Journal, Baltimore, MD
…Monday, a proposed $400 million liquified natural gas plant and the $250 million 88-mile stretch of pipeline in Eastern Baltimore came under scrutiny by U.S. Coast Guard security officials who protect the Port of Baltimore.
During a hearing, Gov. Martin O'Malley and county leaders opposed the proposed plant. The company lobbied for its development touting its industrial benefits. Officials with the U.S. Coast Guard and the federal agency regulating and permitting the plants said they needed more time to review the matter.
Officials to testify on LNG project — The Baltimore Sun, Baltimore, MD
Now the Baltimore Democrat [Rep. Elijah E. Cummings] has some weighty questions for Coast Guard officials, including whether they can handle the additional security jobs associated with the proposed facility in Maryland.
The hearing in Baltimore is the first of two sessions on the topic of LNG to be held away from Capitol Hill. Another hearing, to be held in New York where another company is proposing to build an LNG facility, is planned for next month.
Constellation Energy unit buys capacity at Texas LNG terminal — Platts
The terminal has no known source of supply, despite the fact that it is scheduled to begin operating in January. (Apr 20)
FERC will answer senator's questions — The Daily Astorian, Astoria, OR
In a letter sent mid-March, Wyden asked Kelliher to answer seven key questions about FERC's LNG approval process. Among other questions, Wyden asked how FERC will ensure the safety of people on Astoria's waterfront, fill emergency response resource gaps, protect salmon and their habitat and incorporate local and state government voices into the final siting decision.
He also inquired about what tools FERC is using to determine the overall safety of the Bradwood LNG project as proposed - especially given the potential for LNG tankers to carry loads beyond those which have been reviewed for safety. (Apr 19)
Legislators push environmental efforts — LA Daily News, Los Angeles, CA
SACRAMENTO — Fueled by growing concerns over global warming, California lawmakers have launched new environmental efforts in hopes of harnessing reinvigorated public attention and overcoming intensive lobbying pressure from heavy-hitting opponents. (Apr 22)
Analysts have differing views on US summer gas supply, demand — Platts
Washington (Platts)--23Apr2007 — Two noted natural gas analysts took a look at the same numbers and came to opposite conclusions Monday on gas supply, demand, and prices this summer.
Analyst Ron Denhardt, vice president for natural gas and power at Winchester, Massachusetts-based Strategic Energy and Economic Research, said he expects US supply to grow 1.5% in 2007, while demand grows 0.8% assuming summer weather is 5% warmer than normal.
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