July 12, 2010

http://www.mycentraljersey.com/article/20100712/OPINION02/7120308/1061

We were pleased to see that Perth Amboy's mayor and council took a strong stand against Liberty Natural Gas' proposal for liquefied natural gas (LNG) pipelines in the city ("Perth Amboy Opposes Plan to Run Gas Pipeline Through City"). It is not a good idea to place dangerous pipelines near schools, commuter rail lines, residences and oil tank farms.

Proposed facilities off the New Jersey shore with seabed pipelines would destroy fish habitat, endanger marine life, risk spills and explosions, and restrict recreational and commercial fishing. The industry is more interested in profits than safety or impact on the environment, as we see so tragically in the Gulf.

Perth Amboy determined that the project was not in the best interest of the residents. Neither would it be in the best interest of the citizens of any of the other towns on potential pipeline routes, including Woodbridge, Edison, Metuchen and Sayreville.

We second Perth Amboy's call to other municipalities and Middlesex County to pass resolutions opposing risky projects that invest in fossil fuels. On Earth Day, Gov. Christie, whose approval is needed, announced his opposition to any offshore LNG facilities. We commend those public servants who are moving us towards clean, renewable energy.

KARINA WILKINSON

Organizer

Food and Water Watch

New Brunswick