Bishop Requests Congressional Field Hearing On Security Impact Of Broadwater
BISHOP REQUESTS CONGRESSIONAL FIELD HEARING ON SECURITY IMPACT OF BROADWATER
Congressman Tim Bishop today sent a letter to Congressman Elijah Cummings (D-MD), the Chairman of the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation, urging him to schedule a Congressional Field Hearing on the effects of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) terminals on the U.S. Coast Guard's manpower and resources, as well as the effects on maritime travel in general. Bishop, who is also a member of the Subcommittee, would like to hold the hearing on Long Island.
"There are many unanswered questions about what impact Broadwater and similar projects will have on the Coast Guard's limited resources," Bishop said. "As a member of the Coast Guard's oversight committee, I want answers."
Although the Coast Guard has indicated it believes Broadwater can be safely accommodated in Long Island Sound, doing so would require significant additional resources. According to the Coast Guard's Waterways Suitability Report, this would necessitate adding a Patrol Boat for 900-1800 hours per year, a number of boat crews, security boarding teams, and facility inspectors.
A copy of the letter follows:
Honorable Elijah E. Cummings
Chairman
Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation
House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee
507 Ford House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
Dear Chairman Cummings,
I respectfully request that you consider convening a Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee field hearing on the possible effects of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) terminals on the U.S. Coast Guard's manpower and resources, as well as the effects on maritime travel in general.
As the representative of a district bordering Long Island Sound, where a proposed LNG terminal known as "Broadwater" could be placed, I believe it is in the public interest to publicly discuss issues surrounding the implementation, consequences, and the potential strain on Coast Guard assets resulting from the placement of such a facility. Given the Subcommittee's unique jurisdiction over these matters, a field hearing would also call attention to and address many of the unanswered questions surrounding this issue.
Eastern Long Island is an appropriate location for a field hearing since it is a centrally located and highly populated area that would be directly affected by an LNG terminal. I would be pleased to help coordinate the logistics of a field hearing with your staff, and provide any additional information that may be helpful.
Thank you, in advance, for your attention and consideration of this request.
Sincerely,
Tim Bishop
Member of Congress
http://wwwc.house.gov/timbishop/r110-007.htm