“I certainly made my opposition clear in my testimony to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. My only regret is that previous commitments in the district prevented me from attending the FERC hearing in Branford last night to add my voice to those of the hundreds of others who, rightly, oppose this project,” said Senator Freedman.

In her testimony, Senator Freedman wrote, in part:

“Governor M. Jodi Rell is correct in characterizing approval of this project as comparable to building a factory in the middle of a national park. Our state Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Gina McCarthy has noted that the proposed security zone around this floating facility would be the taking of private property by a private company, with federal approval. Attorney General Richard Blumenthal has vigorously opposed the project. Connecticut’s entire Congressional delegation has gone on record as opposing the project. Environmental experts have questioned the credibility of FERC’s draft environmental impact statement which claims the facility would have only a minimal impact on Long Island Sound. Many have already testified and more will testify against this proposal, all with valid reason. The Long Island Sound is a resource in which both state and federal agencies have worked together to bring it back to life and to preserve the balance of nature inherent in such waters. All this will be tossed aside if the agency grants Broadwater's proposal.”

Senator Freedman said she believes that the federal government has an ethical obligation to consider the wishes of Connecticut residents and government officials in deciding the fate of the LNG proposal.

“No one is disputing the need for more, and more reliable, sources of energy. But in seeking better energy, we cannot lose sight of the need to protect our environment, the public’s safety, and the best interests of Connecticut’s citizens. The outcome of this project will affect Connecticut for years to come. FERC has a moral obligation to listen to what we have to say about it,” said Senator Freedman.

(Please see attached text of Senator Freedman’s testimony)

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Testimony Regarding Proposed Broadwater LNG Facility
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Hearing
Branford High School

January 16, 2007

Dear Commissioners:

I apologize for not joining you this evening, but previous commitments in my district prevent me from attending tonight’s hearing.

I would like to take this opportunity to express my strong opposition to the proposed installation of a liquefied natural gas facility off the coast of Connecticut in the Long Island Sound. While I certainly agree there is a need for more, reliable, sources of energy, installing a LNG facility the size of an ocean liner in Long Island Sound is not the answer.

Governor M. Jodi Rell is correct in characterizing approval of this project as comparable to building a factory in the middle of a national park. Our state Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Gina McCarthy has noted that the proposed security zone around this floating facility would be the taking of private property by a private company, with federal approval. Attorney General Richard Blumenthal has vigorously opposed the project. Connecticut’s entire Congressional delegation has gone on record as opposing the project. Environmental experts have questioned the credibility of FERC’s draft environmental impact statement which claims the facility would have only a minimal impact on Long Island Sound. Many have already testified and more will testify against this proposal, all with valid reason. The Long Island Sound is a resource in which both state and federal agencies have worked together to bring it back to life and to preserve the balance of nature inherent in such waters. All this will be tossed aside if the agency grants Broadwater's proposal.

It would be wrong for FERC to ignore the wishes of our state, and those of the residents along the Sound in New York. There is a need to develop a better venue for reliable sources of energy, and this proposal is not the way. We need to protect our environment and the safety and well-being our citizens. I respectfully ask you not to allow the installation of an LNG facility in Long Island Sound.

Senator Judith Freedman