Canada Formally Objects To LNG Tankers In Canadian Waters

"We are therefore prepared to use domestic legal means to address our concerns and prevent such passage from occurring," the ambassador said. The letter comes as FERC is preparing for hearings on two proposed LNG terminals in Maine. Downeast LNG is looking to build a plant in Robbinston, while Quoddy Bay LNG wants to build a terminal on the Passamaquoddy Tribe's reservation at Pleasant Point. Downeast LNG president Dean Girdis said Wilson's letter won't deter his company from trying to establish an LNG terminal. "I'm already so far into this it's too late to stop," he said. "We're full steam ahead. This changes nothing." Girdis questioned Wilson's tactic, accusing Canada of trying to short-circuit the U.S. regulatory process. New Brunswick MP Greg Thompson wouldn't elaborate Wednesday on what specific steps Canada would take to back up its opposition. "We're examining every regulation or action we could take to enforce that position," he said. The federal government commissioned a study of the safety and environmental impacts the LNG proposals could have on Canada, but has not released it. Thompson insisted Canada's position will not damage Canada-U.S. relations. Wilson's letter states the government's willingness to continue working with the U.S. to meet its energy needs. http://www.boston.com/news/local/maine/articles/2007/02/14/canada_formally_objects_to_lng_tankers_in_canadian_waters?mode=PF [Proofreader's note: this article was edited for spelling and typos on February 16, 2007]

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