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Governor Cuomo Vetoes Port Ambrose Liquefied Natural Gas Project

Written by Long Island News & PR  |  13. November 2015

Long Island, NY - November 12, 2015 - Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today vetoed the Port Ambrose Liquefied Natural Gas Deepwater Port, citing security and economic concerns along with the potential to negatively impact off-shore wind development. The project, which had been proposed by Liberty Natural Gas, LLC, required approval from both Governor Cuomo and New Jersey Governor Christie under the federal Deepwater Port Act. Governor Cuomo detailed his full position in a letter sent today to the U.S. Maritime Administration.

“My administration carefully reviewed this project from all angles, and we have determined that the security and economic risks far outweigh any potential benefits,” said Governor Cuomo. “Superstorm Sandy taught us how quickly things can go from bad to worse when major infrastructure fails – and the potential for disaster with this project during extreme weather or amid other security risks is simply unacceptable. Port Ambrose would also hinder the local maritime economy in a way that negatively impacts businesses throughout Long Island, and that is simply unacceptable. This is a common-sense decision, because vetoing this project is in the best interests of New Yorkers.”

The Deepwater Port Act requires approval from the governor of each adjacent coastal state before a deepwater port license is issued. For the Port Ambrose project, both New York and New Jersey are adjacent coastal states. 

The Governor’s review found that the project posed inherent and unanswered security risks to the region. The potential for catastrophic impacts during extreme weather events was also found to be unacceptable. Additionally, the project posed significant disruptions to commercial and recreational maritime activities, and would also have interfered with a critical off-shore wind power project proposed by the New York Power Authority.

View Governor’s Letter to U.S. Maritime Administration Here

Other statements issued in response to the announcement above are below:

U.S. Representative Kathleen Rice: “The Governor’s decision to veto the Port Ambrose proposal is a victory for all the people in our communities who spoke up and made it clear that this project does not reflect our priorities,” said Representative Kathleen Rice. “Our priorities are to protect our environment and natural resources, to continue recovering from superstorm Sandy, and to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels by investing in clean, renewable energy sources like wind and solar power. That’s why, in the wake of this decision, we need to use our grassroots momentum to make offshore wind development a reality on Long Island. Capturing offshore wind won’t just generate a lot of clean energy – it’ll create a lot of good jobs and new economic opportunities. It’s time to seize that opportunity and capitalize on our potential to lead the transition to a cleaner, greener economy.”

New York State Assemblyman Todd Kaminsky: “I am overjoyed at the Governor’s announcement that he will veto Port Ambrose. This amazing feat was made possible by the incredible groundswell of opposition to Port Ambrose by every day Long Islanders and their tireless advocacy. Together, we sent a clear message that our safety, precious natural resources and commitment to renewable energy cannot be jeopardized or taken for granted. Thank you Governor Cuomo, for heeding that message and coming to our rescue. The Governor has proven to be a true champion for our environment and we on the South Shore are grateful for his leadership. From the beginning, I have advocated for this very result. It is both refreshing and rewarding to simply say: WE DID IT!”

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