State Senator David J. Cappiello, R-Danbury, today said that New York Gov. David Patterson’s decision to reject Broadwater Energy’s proposal to construct a floating liquefied natural gas terminal in the middle of Long Island Sound, was one of the most important environmental decisions ever facing the State of Connecticut. He said now is the time for state officials and federal regulatory officials and representatives of both New York and Connecticut to come together and begin in earnest to address the energy needs of each state.

“This is a huge environmental win for both Connecticut and New York and I commend Gov. Patterson for doing what is right by rejecting this plan,” said Sen. Cappiello. “A lot of hard work has gone into fighting Broadwater’s proposal and so many people need to be commended including my good friend and colleague Sen. Len Fasano, East Haven, who has put so much time and effort into this cause. But we now need to focus in a different direction and forge a partnership with the federal government so that we can come together and meet the energy needs of both states.”

In rejecting Broadwater, the State of New York cited several key concerns raised by Governor M. Jodi Rell’s LNG Task Force during its 2 ½ year review, including concerns that the project would not guarantee low cost natural gas to New York, would disrupt commercial and recreational fishing, and would set a bad precedent by commercializing Long Island Sound.

“While the Broadwater issue may be going away, the issue of addressing the energy needs of this region is an entirely new challenge,” said Sen. Cappiello. “In order to meet this challenge we need to be sure that people work together in a responsible manner.”