Port Ambrose: A Sensible Alternative to Fracking

NEW YORK, March 24, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Today Liberty Natural Gas, seeking to clarify a common misunderstanding about the proposed Port Ambrose project, announced that the project would serve as an alternative to fracking to bring additional supplies of natural gas to New York during peak usage times.     

"Since we often hear the mistaken concern that Port Ambrose is directly connected to fracking, we felt it was important to clarify the truth about the project during this important time in the regulatory process," said Liberty Natural Gas CEO Roger Whelan.  "The fact is we have always viewed the Port Ambrose project as an alternative to fracking.  We will be importing traditional natural gas (non-fracked) from conventional large gas fields in Trinidad and elsewhere," added Whelan.  This project is entirely consistent with Governor Cuomo's recent ban on fracking in New York State.  Port Ambrose proves that you can supply New York State with cleaner, cheaper natural gas that is not the result of fracking, Whelan stated.  Port Ambrose is also consistent with New York's broader energy goals, and we believe traditional natural gas along with renewable energy projects such as offshore wind development, can and should work hand-in-hand to provide a clean and reliable energy supply to New York in the near future."    

The U.S. Maritime Administration and U.S. Coast Guard recently issued a 1,817 page Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) that demonstrates the clear need and minimal environmental and safety impacts of the Port Ambrose natural gas supply project.  The DEIS is the result of an in-depth, multi-year review of the project by six federal government agencies including the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries.

Port Ambrose has earned the support of many community leaders in the New York region who recognize the challenges of making cleaner energy more affordable in the downstate New York market.  "The Long Island Association supports energy projects like the Port Ambrose Deepwater Port proposal that will deliver additional gas supply to our markets, increase competition and place downward pressure on natural gas prices for Long Island residential and commercial customers," said Matt Cohen, Vice President of LIA.

Supporters highlight the economic benefits that will be brought to the region.  "Port Ambrose will bring over 800 construction related jobs, spend over $90 million in goods and services in our local economy and have an annual operating budget of $20 million on permanent and contract service jobs as well as revenues generated by taxes," said Joseph Geiger, Executive Secretary-Treasurer of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America.  "This is one of those rare projects that business and labor can come together and agree on."

The Port Ambrose project is projected to reduce energy bills for downstate New York consumers by $325 million each year.  The project will not cost taxpayers any money as it will be entirely funded with private investment dollars. 

For a complete list of Port Ambrose supporters please visit http://portambrose.com/support-letters/

For more information on the Port Ambrose project please visit www.portambrose.com

About Liberty Natural Gas: 

For information about Liberty Natural Gas please go to:      http://portambrose.com/who-we-are/

SOURCE Liberty Natural Gas