Leading environmentalist Sam Duncombe believes money is going to overrule the government’s decision to authorize liquefied natural gas (LNG) projects, without factoring in the possible environmental damages.
But government officials have repeatedly said that none of the proposed projects will be approved without first ensuring that no harm would come to the environment.
Environmentalists warn that there is the potential of these pipelines exploding or the seabed being eroded.
The government, meanwhile, is facing fierce opposition from environmentalists as it heads into this week’s town meeting on the LNG proposals.
According to government officials, at least two LNG plants can translate into $40 million per annum for the country. But Ms. Duncombe questions whether there is a bond set up with these companies to correct extensive damage to the environment – if that were to happen.
“The Bahamas has never done any kind of project like this before so we don’t even have an idea as to what the regulatory structure should be, how it should be monitored. I’m not saying the project should not happen, but what I am saying is that, too many people are saying too many things,'” Ms. Duncombe told The Bahama Journal on Sunday.
LNG is natural gas cooled to minus 259 degrees Fahrenheit, which converts it to a liquid for shipment. After arriving at a plant, it is converted into dry gas for conventional uses, ranging from heating homes to cooking.
Companies seeking to build new plants often face resistance from environmental groups concerned about environmental degradation. Several LNG projects have been proposed in recent months, including the expansion of Georgia’s Elba Island plant and new facilities off Louisiana, Texas, California, The Bahamas and Mexico.
“Right now, the Bush Administration is backed by all the big oil companies, so basically what you’re seeing happening is that oil companies are pressuring the government to open up certain areas and to roll back certain environmental laws and that is basically what is happening in the U.S and that is quite unsettling, but that unfortunately is what is going on,” Ms. Duncombe said.
There are three LNG proposals on the drawing board for the Bahamas from AES Corporation, El Paso and Tractebel. Minister of Trade and Industry, Leslie Miller, believes the country can benefit tremendously if LNG is found on the Great Bahama Bank.
“We have a company that is willing to invest between $30 and $35 million to explore that possibility,” Minister Miller told The Bahama Journal.
He added that the plants could result in well paying permanent jobs.
“You’re talking about jobs anywhere from $50,000 to $70,000 a year,” Minister Miller said. “You’re talking about high-end jobs that Bahamians will be placed in. Initially, plants will employ up to 400 people for the construction and after that, about 50 to 70 people to be employed on a permanent basis. It’s a win-win situation.”
The minister pointed out that an LNG plant is one of the safest methods of producing energy.
“It is more safe than most regular, electrical plans such as BEC,” he said. “It is also non-polluting. So they are safe plants that the United States government is promoting quite heavily in every state. It’s the cheapest and cleanest source of energy that the world has known to date.”
Last week, the U.S Senate debated a broad energy bill. Republicans demanded an inventory of natural gas deposits, including from states like Florida and California where drilling is banned.
Environmental groups argue that there is a lot of land already available and restricted areas protect fragile habitats.
Meanwhile the Bahamas government, according to Minister Miller, has associated itself with the Federal Energy and Regulatory Department of the U.S government. He pointed out that the perimeters department officials use to assess the plants, are exactly what the Bahamas Environmental and Scientific Technology Commission (BEST) is using.
“So if it’s good for Florida, hopefully it will be good for The Bahamas,” he said.
Ms. Duncombe is still convinced that the government must move cautiously regarding the project. Among her concerns are the possibility of explosions, what the pipelines may do to maritime traffic and how the dredging of the seabed may affect crawfish migration.
“Is there a possibility of a boat throwing over an anchor and rupturing the pipe, what happens during Hurricane season during tidal surges? We understand that one of the methods of dredging can actually damage – for every mile of pipeline laid – 100 acres of the seabed can be destroyed,” she said.
And despite reassurances from Minister Miller, President of the National Congress of Trade Unions President, Pat Bain, added that the lack of open dialogue over the months has cast a dubious perception on the proceedings.
“As of late, there has been much speculation on the proposed natural gas pipeline investments throughout the community…the government has promised over and repeatedly, full disclosure and accountability in the form of a scheduled town meetings in order to allay misconceptions of our people,” Mr. Bain said.
“We therefore call on the Minister of Trade as well as the Ambassador for the Environment, His Excellency Keod Smith, to conduct open and frank discussions with all social partners,” he urged.
Minister Miller said Wednesday’s town meeting is expected to allay any fears about the proposed LNG projects.
Meanwhile, although the town meeting is organized between AES Corporation and key government officials, Ambassador Smith said the BEST Commission will not be participating.
Mr. Smith considers it to be “highly inappropriate” for him or any other officers of BEST to engage in public dialogue on the matter as the Commission is reviewing LNG proposals submitted to the government by AES and other entities.
“At this stage of the consultative process, I welcome the efforts of independent education entities such as The College of the Bahamas in efforts to educate the public on the factual attributes of LNG pipeline transmission. This will allow the public to be better informed,” stated Ambassador Smith.
The Bahama Journal
