Protecting our ocean from LNG!
Advocates: ‘We want to protect our ocean’ Pallone says LNG proposal is wrong energy policy
BY JAMIE ROMM Staff Writer – Independent – February 5, 2009

Article Excerpts:
Ocean advocates used a public hearing on a proposal to build an offshore liquefied natural gas (LNG) facility to rally opposition to a project they have dubbed “Insanity Island.”

“Just remember, everyone, that the corporations whose projects, products and byproducts can result in permanent damage to ecosystems and health problems of thousands perhaps are portraying themselves as our friends who are lowering your rates for natural gas,” said Richard Lee, board director of the Surfers’ Environmental Alliance, Jersey Shore chapter.

“Well, those of us who take nonviolent actions to oppose these projects are known as ecoterrorists, but we are not. We want to protect our ocean; it’s not their ocean.”

Wearing T-shirts bearing the slogan “Stop the Insanity” and chanting “No LNG,” Lee and other environmentalists weighed in at a public hearing held by the U.S. Coast Guard and U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD) on Jan. 27, as the agencies began the scoping process for an environmental impact statement as part of the official review of Atlantic Sea Island Group’s (ASIG) proposal to build an LNG facility 19 miles off the coast of New Jersey.

Read the full article:
http://independent.gmnews.com/news/2009/0205/front_page/013.html

Waves of thanks and CONGRATULATIONS to all for a remarkable turnout at the Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) public hearing in Eatontown, NJ, held by the U.S. Coast Guard and U.S. Maritime Administration!

Well over 500 friends of the ocean attended the hearing to blast the proposal to build a massive island that would bring us an unwanted, unneeded, foreign fossil fuel… LNG. You spread the word far and wide, and proved, once again, that grassroots organizing and the power of the people rule!

Over 440 chairs were packed, so students, parents, fishermen, surfers, divers, concerned citizens, and business leaders sat on the floor or stood three deep in the back. People came and went throughout the hearing.

Only a few elected leaders attended or sent representatives. In a statement read by staff, US Representative Frank Pallone (D-6) strongly opposed the island and LNG and requested an extension to the comment period. Monmouth County Freeholder John D’Amico and Town Council members Dina Long of Sea Bright and D’Arcy Green of Bay Head spoke-out opposed. Also attending in support of us were Monmouth County Freeholder Amy Mallet and a staff member from US Representative Rush Holt’s (D-12) office. A meager showing, at best, of our elected officials, so be sure to contact your elected officials and tell them to KEEP US FREE FROM LNG!

Nearly 100 folks testified, and all but two flat-out opposed the project and LNG. One of the most compelling statements was made by 9-year-old Peter John Donnelly who said, “The Coast Guard’s job is to protect our waters. I look to you for leadership. How can you ever think of approving this disaster? Our President said we would find clean power through wind and sun-not LNG. It’s Un-American. It’s time we think about the future, not just the now. The world already has put a lot on our shoulders…please don’t add any more.”

Call to action:
- Make sure your comments get on the record. If you were unable to testify last night or would like to add to your remarks, submit them online, by fax, or by mail by February 9, 2009 (include Docket number USCG-2007-28535, your name and address):
/Website: http://www.regulations.gov
/Fax: 202-493-2251 (confirm receipt by telephone at 202- 366-9329)
/Mail: Department of Transportation, Docket Management Facility, West Building, Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE, Washington, DC 20590-0001.

- E-mail Governor Corzine-tell him: NO LNG: Keep Us Free from LNG!http://www.state.nj.us/governor/govmail.html

- Sign the petition against Insanity Island and LNG at:http://www.thepetitionsite.com/petition/689151878.

Sign up for the cause on Facebook at: http://apps.facebook.com/causes/193079?m=cc366e79