The No LNG Coalition has drafted the following letter to New York Governor Andrew Cuomo – if you would like to add your organization as a signatory, please contact us at [email protected]

Dear Governor Andrew Cuomo:

We the undersigned ask you to use your veto power to stop the construction of Liberty Natural Gas, LLC’s Port Ambrose project. In 2011, Governor Chris Christie used his veto power to stop the construction of this port because he recognized that “this project would present unacceptable and substantial risks to (New Jersey’s) residents, natural resources, economy and security.” The same risks are present in Liberty’s current proposal for a liquefied natural gas (LNG) port just miles from New York and New Jersey’s Harbor:

• LNG tankers are highly explosive; placing them near a major economic hub makes them a serious terrorism target – According to Theodore Karasik, director of research at the Institute for Near East and Gulf Military Analysis in Dubai, “Within al – Qaeda military doctrine, attacking energy infrastructure, such as pipelines or ports, is seen as a potent tool.” The Council on Foreign Relations reports that the most attractive targets for terrorists are considered tankers with double hulls and storage tanks, and these are exactly the kinds of vessels that will be mooring at Port Ambrose.
• This project will harm our coastal economy that includes fishing and tourism.
• Liquefied Natural Gas is a disaster for our climate and steers us away from efficiency, conservation and renewable energy. Methane, the primary component of natural gas, has an effect on climate 85 times more damaging than carbon dioxide over a twenty-year period. Over its lifecycle, liquefied natural gas releases 40% more greenhouse gases than even shale gas. NYSERDA has declared a goal of reducing New York State’s emissions 80% by 2050, and this project is incompatible with that goal.
• It’s the wrong direction for New York – we need to be investing in renewable energy jobs to put our communities back to work. LNG Port Ambrose will create only six (6) long-term jobs; a real green energy future including energy conservation and renewables will create thousands of high paying, permanent jobs.
• It is exceedingly likely that this terminal will ultimately be switched to export natural gas, as gas companies can get far higher prices abroad for their products. This project will therefore raise gas prices and create an added economic burden for families who are currently using natural gas in their homes.

For these and many more reasons, the organizations, politicians, individuals and groups below call on you to demonstrate true leadership and veto the Port Ambrose LNG proposal. Sincerely,

 

Sane Energy Project

Clean Ocean Action

Waterspirit

Religious on Water (ROW)

South Shore Audubon Society

Earthjustice

Environmental Action

Long Island Progressive Coalition

New Yorkers Against Fracking

Renewable Energy Long Island (RELI)

Bronx Climate Justice North