Jobs and Environment Discussed at FEIS Meeting for Main Pass Proposal
At the last of three public meetings held Thursday night to discuss the FEIS for the Main Pass Energy Hub LNG terminal that is proposed for offshore Louisiana, members of the chemical plant industry expressed support for the project, saying that the facility would import much-needed natural gas that would help the State retain jobs. “The current trend of U.S. supply shortfall will continue to put upward pressure on natural gas prices and lead to further job losses of the U.S. chemical industry, a disproportionate share of which is in Louisiana,” said Dennis Nuss, a spokesperson for Cytec Industries in Westwego, La. Kristi Darby of Louisiana State University’s Center for Energy Studies noted that if the LNG terminals are not built, Louisiana could lose up to 4,000 jobs. Some attendees at the meeting voiced concern over the environmental impact of the open-loop design of the terminal, which some say might harm aquatic life. Under the Deepwater Port Act, Louisiana Governor Kathleen Blanco has until May 7 to offer comments on the project. Such comments could include a veto of the facility. Read more in Saturday’s Times-Picayune.