Cuomo Rejects Natural Gas Port Proposed Off Long Island

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New York Governor Andrew M. Cuomo rejected a proposal on November 12 to build the first port for liquefied natural gas in New York State, saying it would pose a threat to the environment and make an inviting target for terrorists. Cuomo’s decision comes after years of often bitter debate over a bid by Liberty Natural Gas, an energy company, to construct an underwater buoy system and pipeline, 19 miles from Jones Beach on Long Island.

The company argued that the project, known as Port Ambrose, would save consumers millions of dollars in home heating costs, provide a vital supply of natural gas to the region and help reduce dependence on coal and oil.

Opponents, however, argued that the project’s potential dangers were greater than any possible gains.

"My administration carefully reviewed this project from all angles, and we have determined that the security and economic risks far outweigh any potential benefits," Cuomo said in a statement. He added that Hurricane Sandy in 2012 "taught us how quickly things can go from bad to worse when major infrastructure fails — and the potential for disaster with this project during extreme weather or amid other security risks is simply unacceptable."

The project, which was designed only for the importation of gas, would have consisted of two submerged buoys 30 feet above the seabed.

A vessel with its cold cargo of liquid gas would connect to a buoy during the winter months. Over several days, the vessel would heat the liquid to return it to its gaseous state, and deliver natural gas through the buoy, a new pipeline and an existing pipeline. Each delivery would provide an average of 400 million cubic feet of natural gas per day — enough to heat and power some 1.5 million homes, according to the project’s website.

Roger Whelan, Chief Executive of Liberty, said the company was "disappointed and very surprised" by the decision. On its website, the company sought to explain why the concerns of environmentalists and others were unwarranted. The company said that "the buoy and ship system is designed and proven to withstand rough storm and sea conditions, including hurricane conditions." In the event of a storm like Hurricane Sandy, the company said the vessel could disconnect from the buoy and pipeline system and head out to sea to avoid the storm. 

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