fbpx

NATURAL GAS VETO BAD FOR BUSINESS AND CONSUMERS

By Michael Laffey

On Tuesday February 8 it was reported in the Asbury Park Press, http://www.app.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2011110208042 , that the Governor vetoed   a proposal to build a liquefied natural gas port facility 17 miles off the coast of Asbury Park. This decision is bad for New Jersey business and consumers and the Governor should be urged to reconsider this decision.

Natural gas in its liquid form is not stored under pressure and is not flammable or explosive. When exposed to the environment it quickly evaporates. It therefore cannot result in a slick if it is spilled. The vapors when mixed with air are not explosive in an unconfined area.

Natural gas:

  • creates less carbon dioxide per BTU than any other carbon based fuel
  • is easily transportable
  • burns without soot or sulfur dioxide
  • is the  very plentiful and therefore very inexpensive compared to other fuels
  • does not pollute soil or groundwater if released

These facilities operate all over the world.  This is not a new or unproven concept. Massachusetts already has two of these facilities.  The building of this facility would have created no environmental or safety risk to New Jersey and does not constitute a risk to our tourism industry. 

Building of this facility would create good paying jobs for New Jersey residents. It would lower energy costs for consumers and businesses.  The Governor wants to attract business to New Jersey and create jobs and this project would do both

 

This reason this proposal was opposed by environmental groups was because it involves fossil fuels. The unrealistic goal of those opposing the facility is to put fossil fuels out of business.  They do not want anything built that would provide low cost fuel to consumers because then expensive inefficient alternative energy sources can not compete.

 

No matter what your position is on global warming and fossil fuels the fact is that fossil fuels are not going to be replaced by solar and wind power anytime soon. A proper weighing of the economic benefit versus risk of this project leaves no doubt that it should be allowed to move forward.

 

As a counter to these misguided environmental lobbyists the Governor needs to hear from the people who would get jobs from this project and the businesses and consumers who would benefit from lower energy costs.  We need to urge the Governor to reverse his position. He needs to hear from the people who would benefit from this project rather then the misguided special interest groups who currently have his ear.

Posted: February 11th, 2011 | Author: | Filed under: Chris Christie | Tags: , , , | 1 Comment »