LNG terminal vetoed

The project which was proposed over three years ago required approval from the adjacent coastal states of New York and New Jersey.

In his speech to the people of Long Beach on 12 November, Mr Cuomo said: “We researched the project in terms of economic and environmental impact, spent a lot of time considering our own energy policy within the state.”

“I am going to sign a letter to the US Maritime Administration vetoing the Port of Ambrose LNG terminal.”

His review argued that the project posed inherent and unanswered security risks to the region. There was also a potential for catastrophic impacts during extreme weather events which Mr Cuomo deemed unacceptable.

Alongside this, the project was said to pose disruption to commercial and recreational maritime activities and interfere with the off-shore wind power project already proposed by the New York Power Authority.

The Governor’s open letter to the Maritime Administration said: “As superstorm Sandy, the largest hurricane ever recorded which caused US$75bn of damage and 233 lost lives, taught us too clearly – we cannot make decisions that allow our critical infrastructure to remain vulnerable.”

“Extreme weather could lead to a catastrophic accident as LNG tankers and cargo ships that anchor offshore to ride storms could be put in close proximity. We cannot accept such a risk.”

He continued: “The proposed Port Ambrose location would interfere with a critical renewable project. The offshore wind project would create enough renewable energy to power up to 700,000 homes and reduce harmful green gas emissions by 1.08m tonnes.

Mr Cuomo concluded: “The facility would occupy offshore waters located between the two main shipping channels into and out of New York harbour and this presents inherent risks to security and commercial navigation. The potential hazards it presents are unacceptable.”