Maine Board of Environmental Protection Steps in on Proposed Liquefied Natural Gas Facility and Pipeline

Public Hearing to be Convened on Controversial Washington County Facility

PORTLAND, ME  March 18, 2010 – Conservation Law Foundation (CLF) hailed today’s decision by the Maine Board of Environmental Protection to take jurisdiction over, and hold a public hearing on, a liquefied natural gas facility and associated pipeline being proposed by a group led by an ex-legislator from Washington county, Augusta insiders seeking to block an energy corridor proposed by Governor Baldacci, and an arm of the banking giant Goldman Sachs.

CLF opposes the project. Sean Mahoney, CLF vice president, and director of its Maine Advocacy Center, notes that the project’s environmental impacts are inappropriate, given the lack of need for new natural gas supply in Maine.

“At a time when Maine should be focused on realistic solutions to its energy and economic challenges, this proposed project is neither realistic, nor a solution,” Mahoney stated. “Given the current glut of natural gas, the projected significant increase in domestic sources of natural gas and the projected lack of any increased demand for gas from current levels, moving forward with the project is a waste of resources and provides false hope for a part of Maine that is in desperate need for real solutions.”

Mahoney continued, “Rolling the dice that this project will eventually be built is not economic development and indeed could stymie real possibilities, such as having Washington County becoming the center of Maine’s offshore renewable energy industry, as well as harming existing uses, both commercial and recreational.”

The Conservation Law Foundation (www.clf.org) works to solve the most significant environmental challenges facing New England.  CLF’s advocates use law, economics and science to create innovative strategies to conserve natural resources, protect public health and promote vital communities in our region.  Founded, in 1966, CLF is a nonprofit, member-supported organization with offices in Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont.