Curran hosts Port Ambrose forum

“Tell your neighbors” was the message of a town meeting Assemblyman Brian Curran hosted on Port Ambrose, Liberty Natural Gas’ (LNG) proposed liquefied natural gas terminal 18.5 miles off the coast of Jones Beach.

“This is a really important issue,” said Curran. “And it has not yet hit the real stream of consciousness of the residents in my district.” Curran’s district covers Lynbrook, Rockville Centre, Baldwin and parts of Freeport and Oceanside.

“What we wanted to do tonight was give you as much information as we have available on the project so that you can make up your mind,” said Curran. Representatives of the Sane Energy Project, an organization that promotes renewable energy, led the meeting, which was held on April 20 at the Oceanside Library. About 20 people attended.

Media Coordinator Patrick Robbins said that the site of Port Ambrose, which would transport fossil fuels, is also in consideration for an energy-producing wind farm 13 miles from the Rockaway Peninsula. “And you really can’t build both, is the problem,” said Robbins. “Because this is such a heavily-trafficked area.”

According to a Stony Brook University study, a wind farm would create 7,600 construction jobs and 360 permanent jobs. A LNG spokesperson has said Port Ambrose would create 800 construction jobs and 20 permanent jobs.

Robbins, along with Program Director Clare Donohue, also cited concerns that Port Ambrose would pollute the ocean, could be a target for terrorist attacks and that planes landing at John F. Kennedy airport would be too close, which could lead to an accident.

Last month, the federal agencies responsible for review of Port Ambrose delayed the review process for the project because they needed time to analyze over 10,000 public comments and to further evaluate the potential impact to the environment.

Donohue said there would be a public hearing after the environmental impact statement is released. “Once the final public hearing happens, there’s a 45-day window when [Gov. Andrew] Cuomo or [Gov. Chris] Christie can veto it,” she said. “So that’s probably going to come in May or June, we’re guessing.”

She then said this is the time to push Cuomo to veto Port Ambrose. Without a veto, the project will be automatically approved. George Povall then promoted his campaign to send postcards to the governor, urging him to veto Port Ambrose.

Curran said that he is personally against Port Ambrose because the risks outweigh the benefits. “It’s going to take you to get out there, talk to your neighbors, sign up your names,” he said. “And I’m not pressuring anybody for or against, but if you’re against it … make your voice heard.”