May 21, 2008
Press Release

Reed, Whitehouse, and Kennedy Applaud Coast Guard's Final Determination that Weaver's Cove LNG Plan is Unsafe

PROVIDENCE, RI – The U.S. Coast Guard today announced that it has denied Weaver’s Cove Energy’s appeal and affirmed that the waterway is navigationally unsuitable for LNG shipments.  This ruling upholds a Coast Guard decision handed down last fall, effectively blocking the proposed Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) terminal proposed for Weaver’s Cove in Fall River.  

U.S. Senators Jack Reed (D-RI) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) and U.S. Representative Patrick Kennedy (D-RI), who have been working to block the siting of LNG marine terminals in urban communities that would require LNG tankers to pass by eleven Rhode Island towns and cities and more than 25 miles of densely populated coastline, applauded the Coast Guard’s decision.

“Once again, the Coast Guard made the right decision that puts public safety first.  From a security and environmental standpoint, the Weaver’s Cove LNG project posed too many risks and would have placed a tremendous burden on local law enforcement and taxpayers,” said U.S. Senator Jack Reed.  “The Coast Guard’s final ruling will protect Rhode Islanders, our working waterfront, and the environment.”

“LNG tanker traffic would pose enormous risks to the vibrancy of Narragansett Bay and the safety of surrounding communities,” said Whitehouse, a member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee.  “I’m committed to stopping this facility and glad that the Coast Guard reaffirmed that Weaver’s Cove is not the right place for an LNG terminal.”

“While this decision does not come as a surprise, I am hopeful that Weaver's Cove will finally get the message,” said Congressman Kennedy.  “The proposed project is extremely risky and we can't take chances with the safety and well being of Rhode Islanders and the health of Narragansett Bay.”

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