Environmental Partners & Supporters
|
Other Issues UPDATE: On Tuesday, Feb. 8, 2011, New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie vetoed the proposed plan to build a liquefied natural gas facility and pipeline along the coast of the state. Christie was quoted as saying, “Offshore LNG poses a unacceptable risk to the state's residents, natural resources, economy and security." ALO’s Tom Beaty and Kelly Quinlan testified at a hearing back in April 2010, speaking out against this initiative. (Article below). Quinlan, who is ALO’s Vice President and Chair of the Issues and Legislation Committee said, “Not only does this veto eliminate the tremendous threat an LNG ‘station’ would pose for our environment and local economy, it is a step in the right direction towards seeking alternative energies. “ OYSTER CREEK Say No to LNG (Liquified Natural Gas) Drilling UPDATE: Read the bill at http://www.njleg.state.nj.us/2010/Bills/SR/58_I1.PDF ********************************************************** THIS ARTICLE WAS PART OF THE WINTER 2009 NEWSLETTER: Before President Bush left office, he allowed a 26-year moratorium on oil and gas drilling on the East Coast to lapse. This spring, at the request of President Obama, the Department of the Interior held open meetings to get public opinions about the future of offshore energy. Along with concerned citizens and other non-profits, on April 6, ALO spoke out in support of renewable energy at the only East Coast hearing held at the Atlantic City convention center. ALO President Tom Beaty testified, “Fossil fuel exploration and the minimal energy relief it might bring is not worth the risk, and an oil spill would destroy our economy worse than what an energy crisis might bring.” “We want clean beaches and clean energy, both of these are vital to our coastal economy,” said ALO board member and chair of the issues and legislation committee Kelly Quinlan in her testimony. “As stated in the Draft Proposed Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Leasing Program (DPP) 2010-2015, it will take an estimated 5 to 10 years for production to actually occur. Instead, in this timeframe, we should invest and develop renewable, sustainable energy resources. The funds seismic testing would require [to be spent] should instead be used to invest in clean, renewable energy.” Three other public meetings were held in April in New Orleans, Los Angeles, and Alaska, while written comments were accepted until September 21, after which Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar said “I heard broad agreement that we must confront our dangerous dependence on foreign oil, build a clean energy future, and make wise use of the limited resources we have while protecting our land, water, and wildlife.” Of late, opponents to drilling have won a few battles. According to a press release from U.S. Senator Robert Menendez’ (D-NJ), on September 23 he spearheaded an effort that blocked an attempt by Senator David Vitter (R-LA) to pave the way for coastline drilling. Menendez, working with Senator Bill Nelson (D-FL), led the Senate in a 56-42 vote against Vitter’s attempt. Menendez also is the sponsor of the COAST Act to permanently ban drilling along the Atlantic coast from North Carolina to Maine. In other progress, Fisherman’s Energy, a community-based offshore wind developer made up of a consortium of East Coast fishing companies, completed a first phase assessment and began a second phase. The company already has a lease at The Port of Paulsboro. “This is still only the beginning. Until there is a law in place banning offshore drilling on our coast, there is always a chance another bill will get through,” said Quinlan. UPDATE: Obviously with the events in the Gulf, this issue is an ongoing challenge. Click here to sign a petition against drilling.
Oyster Creek
/ who we are / get involved / issues & campaigns / special events / programs / calendar / contact /
|
|