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CCA Calls on Gov. Blanco to Oppose Open-loop LNG E-mail
Baton Rouge, LA - Coastal Conservation Association of Louisiana continues its call for Governor Kathleen Babineaux Blanco to veto the liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal that McMoRan Exploration proposes to build 16 miles off the Louisiana coast.

In a recent letter sent to the Governor, CCA Louisiana President Nelson Roth, Jr. called on the Governor to continue her commitment to veto open-loop LNG.

“The risk to our marine resources is significant and unnecessary. We are all cognizant of the very real need to supply energy to the country, but that does not require us to risk unknown damage to populations of marine species when there are other viable technologies that can balance our energy needs with our responsibility to protect as fully as possible the marine ecosystem.”

CCA opposes terminals that use “open rack” vaporization systems, also referred to as open-loop systems. These types of LNG terminals receive imported liquefied gas and convert it back to a gaseous state by circulating seawater through a radiator-like system to reheat it. An open-loop system can filter more than 100 million gallons of seawater per day, then chlorinates it to prevent fouling in the intake pipe, creating the potential to kill billions of fish eggs, larvae and plankton annually.

McMoRan Exploration is seeking federal approval for the proposed terminal. Even though such terminals are licensed by the federal government, the governors of impacted states have a say in the process.

After a recent call-to-action from CCA, hundreds of CCA Louisiana members have voiced their concern and opposition to open-loop LNG facilities directly to Gov. Blanco.

“Our problem is with the technology they propose to use. Simply put, we’re not prepared to accept harm to our natural resources so that LNG terminals can operate more cheaply,” said CCA Louisiana Executive Director Jeff Angers.
 
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