Jim Himes Statement on FERC Decision to Approve Broadwater
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Stamford, CT - Businessman and Democratic candidate for Congress in Connecticut’s 4th congressional district Jim Himes released the following statement regarding the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s decision today to approve the proposed Broadwater liquid natural gas platform in the Long Island Sound:
"The decision today by FERC to disregard the security, safety, and environmental concerns of the people of our district by approving a huge floating liquid natural gas platform situated just a few miles from our shorelines is an infuriating and incredibly dangerous one. Our families need a Congressman who will steadfastly and vigorously do everything possible to stop environmental and national security mistakes like this, not waver and cave to the Bush Administration and Big Energy."
Background:
* Last fall, Chris Shays told a group of environmental activists in Long Island, New York, that he was "getting cynical" about Broadwater critics and "becoming ashamed" of being formally opposed to the LNG terminal.
* According to an October 7 article in Newsday (NY), "his remarks shocked some of the forum’s attendees and took its host, Rep. Steve Israel (D-Huntington) - a vocal Broadwater foe - by surprise."
* Adrienne Esposito, executive director of NY-based Citizens Campaign for the Environment, said at the time that "it was pathetic to see [Rep. Shays] buckle under the weight of Shell Oil’s lobbying."
[Source: "Adding fuel to the fire Conn. Rep. Shays indicates a wavering of his stance against offshore gas plant, citing flawed criticism," Michael Amon, Newsday (NY), p. A9, October 7, 2007]
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