Broadwater Energy makes pitch to Long Island Regional Planning Board

Broadwater Energy's plan to bring liquid natural gas to Long Island would save the state and the region money while providing what the federal government considers a safe way to make sure the area has a long-term energy source, Broadwater officials told the Long Island Regional Planning Board Tuesday.

"We're a ship providing this region a reliable, safe and clean supply of energy," Froydis Cameron of Broadwater told the board.

During the first 10 years of operation, New York would save $20.6 billion. Long Island would save $3.8 billion, Cameron said.

The average cost savings to a homeowner would be $300, Cameron said.

Michael White, executive director for the planning board, said he wants to hear that from the power companies.

"Not to discount the other safety and environmental concerns, but that's what this is really about," he said. "But I want to know how the people of Long

Island get their savings."

The plan, which includes mooring a ship to the bottom of the sound nine miles off shore between Long Island and Connecticut, has been highly controversial.

Critics worry about potential emergencies such as terrorist attacks or spills.

The planning board took no position on the plan, but listened to a detailed presentation and asked questions regarding its safety.

Board Chairman John Cameron said he is keeping an open mind on the project. The Board has met with Broadwater officials in the past and will continue to do so as the project moves forward.

"We've been trying to do our homework and research both sides," he said. "This project is entitled to a fair hearing on its merits."

Broadwater has been working on its proposal for the past three years. It gained speed last month when the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission issued its Final Environmental Impact Statement stating the proposal would have fewer environmental impacts than others considered.

In addition, this week Suffolk County Executive Steve Levy wrote a letter to Gov. Eliot Spitzer asking him to oppose Broadwater's plans if Connecticut Gov. Jodi Rell would approve a proposal by the Islander East Pipeline Co. to run a gas line under the Sound along the seabed.

Broadwater wants to put its 700-million terminal in the Sound to put Long Island in the front of the line to get natural gas.

Cameron said the right now the area is at the end of two natural gas lines, one coming from Canada and one from the Gulf of Mexico. However, the local need for natural gas is far outpacing the supply.

The Broadwater terminal would be able to house eight billion cubic feet of natural gas. The daily use of natural gas on Long Island is three-to-four cubic feet, Cameron said.

"Energy is something undermining everything you do," Cameron said. "It is not something that should be looked at lightly or frivolously."

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