Fwd: DE House of Representatives - Rep. Kowalko release - HB 54 (Liquid Natur...

[Chuck Mulholland]

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From: <Chris...@aol.com>
Date: Wed, Mar 20, 2013 at 10:31 PM
Subject: Fwd: DE House of Representatives - Rep. Kowalko release - HB 54 (Liquid Natur...
To: cemulh...@gmail.com

Can we circulate this to the membership to get it support?  LNG tank explosions can travel a mile or two, so this is a prudent bill.  Frankly, I think companies will start to reuse the facility in Maryland where so many people were well trained to handle LNG.  That has a large capacity.

 

Christine Whitehead
530-5249 cell

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Date: Tue, 19 Mar 2013 16:59:43 -0400 (EDT)
Subject: DE House of Representatives - Rep. Kowalko release - HB 54 (Liquid Natural Gas) introduced

 

John A. Kowalko

State Representative, District 25

14 Kells Ave., Newark, DE 19711

 

For Immediate Release

Contact: John A. Kowalko – (302) 737 2396 (h), (302) 547 9351 (c) john.k...@state.de.us

 

 

BILL WOULD PROTECT DELAWARE RESIDENTS FROM POTENTIAL LIQUID NATURAL GAS HAZARD

               

DOVER – Seeking to protect coastal communities from “the inherent risks associated with liquefied natural gas terminals and transfer facilities,” Newark Rep. John Kowalko introduced legislation Tuesday that would restrict where such a facility could be built in Delaware.

 

Rep. Kowalko said that House Bill 54 would ensure the protection of the health and safety of communities. The bill seeks to clarify the state’s public policy of not allowing the bulk transfer of liquefied natural gas (LNG) in the vicinity of residential homes in Delaware by restricting the siting of any LNG terminal within three miles of a residence in Delaware. The legislation would provide concerned citizens with an assurance against any future risks, real or perceived regarding siting of terminals near their communities. 

 

Recent negotiations about a private-public partnership to improve the operation of the Port of Wilmington have given rise to public concern about the potential future use of the port as a liquefied natural gas terminal. LNG could be transferred at the port due to the port’s unique exemption for bulk transfer under the Delaware Coastal Zone Act.

 

“While I recognize that development of an LNG facility in Delaware may not be imminent, I believe it would be prudent to clarify any public policy ambiguity,” said Rep. Kowalko, D-Newark. “This particular use is unique due to the risks it poses to nearby communities, and this bill will provide public confidence that an adequate safeguard is in place to protect against this potential risk both now and into the future.

 

“I believe this is in keeping with the vision for protecting the Delaware Coastal Zone championed by Governor Russell Peterson.” 

 

Rep. Kowalko said that this bill would protect the Port of Wilmington’s exemption for bulk transfer of materials as is necessary to keep it a viable, productive, and profitable operation. It allows for future expansion of the port, including the expansion of the type and quantity of bulk products transferred, with the exception of LNG due to the risks associated with siting LNG operations in the vicinity of residential property.

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