LONG BEACH, N.Y. (AP) – Environmentalists and some residents of coastal communities are fighting a proposed liquefied natural gas transfer point in the waters off New York and New Jersey, saying it could endanger the environment and be a tempting target for terrorists.
But Canada-based Liberty Natural Gas LLC say the proposal to develop the deep-water docking station known as Port Ambrose will help bring in more supplies of clean energy and lower some of the most expensive home heating bills in the nation.
The docking station about 19 miles off Jones Beach on Long Island, and 29 miles off Long Branch, New Jersey, would serve as a transfer port for ships carrying the liquefied natural gas to unload and pump the gas to New York City and Long Island. If approved, the port would be up and running in 2018.
“You’re never going to see the ship; you’re not going to be aware of it,” said the company’s president, Roger Whelan.
The federal Maritime Administration is currently reviewing Liberty’s application, but environmentalists are urging Gov. Andrew Cuomo and Chris Christie to veto the proposal, arguing it is dangerous and unnecessary. If either governor objects, federal regulations require the agency to deny Liberty’s application. The timing for a final decision remains unclear.