Ruppersberger Denounces Commerce Ruling on LNG Facility in Dundalk

(Washington, D.C.)- Congressman C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger (D-MD) denounces the U.S. Department of Commerce’s decision not to support the State of Maryland’s denial of an application to build a liquefied natural gas (LNG) facility at Sparrows Point, Maryland. Congressman Ruppersberger believes safety, security, and quality of life for residents will be negatively impacted by the proposed facility.  AES Corporation filed its official application to construct the LNG terminal in January 2007.

In February, the Coast Guard issued a report critical of AES for not having a comprehensive safety or security plan.  The Coast Guard Waterway Suitability Report found that AES does not have a security plan, does not appear to be taking security seriously, and assumes the Coast Guard will handle all security at taxpayer expense. 

“I am outraged that the Department of Commerce will not support the State of Maryland’s decision that construction of an LNG facility at this location is inconsistent with Maryland’s Coastal Zone Management Program.  From the very start, I have said the proposed liquefied natural gas plant is absolutely inappropriate for this residential area in Eastern Baltimore County.  My biggest concerns focus around the lack of a comprehensive safety and security plan, the potential harm to the quality of life for nearby residents, and the possible negative effects on the environment and the Chesapeake Bay.  I vow to continue to fight to stop this facility,” said Congressman C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger (D-MD).    

If constructed, the LNG facility would be less than two miles from the residential neighborhoods of Dundalk, Turner’s Station, and Edgemere and would be located in an environmentally sensitive area of the Chesapeake Bay.  LNG is a hazardous fuel that can explode when ignited.  Congressman Ruppersberger, a Member of the Intelligence Committee and the Port Security Caucus, believes area residents could be harmed if there is an accident or a terrorist attack at the facility or on the tankers that travel up the Bay.  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 negatively impact the quality of life of area residents.

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. 

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