As the new home of MASSPIRG's environmental work, Environment Massachusetts can be contacted regarding this news release.
BOSTON
– After polling committee members over the past day, the Joint
Committee on Bonding, Capital Expenditures and State Assets did not
approve for passage House Bill 4500, a controversial proposal to
convert an island in the Boston Harbor Islands State Park and National
Recreation Area into the nation’s largest LNG terminal and storage
depot. Environmental advocates hailed the committee’s action and
praised committee members for their quick action on such an important
matter.
“We
are pleased with the committee’s decision not to approve the proposal.
This sends a strong message that our parks are not for sale. Given
today’s action by the committee combined with the 75 legislators who
agreed to oppose the bill if it came up on the floor, we are thankful
that the harbor islands will be protected as intended, for people to
use and enjoy in perpetuity,” said Jen Baker, MASSPIRG environmental
policy associate.
Last
Tuesday, the day before the public hearing, a coalition of 25 groups,
released letters from sixteen Senators and fifty-eight Representatives
opposing House Bill 4500. The letters, addressed to Senate President
Robert Travaglini and Speaker Salvatore DiMasi, were circulated by
Senators Robert Hedlund and Pamela Resor, and by Representatives
Garrett Bradley, Brian Wallace and Ruth Balser. Last Wednesday,
hundreds packed a crowded hearing room for 6 ½ hours to debate this
controversial proposal.
“This
was never a good idea from the start,” said Representative Garrett
Bradley, “this proposal would destroy the island, damage important
habitat, forever restrict recreational and commercial access to much of
the park, and more importantly not reduce tanker traffic to the Everett
facility. If this went through, Boston Harbor would be the LNG capital
of the country.”
“This
is great news” said Senator Robert Hedlund, “It’s a victory for the
integrity of the Boston Harbor Islands.” Hedlund added, “As we continue
to take a serious look at the region’s energy needs, I look forward to
working to develop a comprehensive regional approach.”
A
coalition of 25 groups, including MASSPIRG, Save the Harbor/Save the
Bay, CLF, Sierra Club, ELM and the MA Lobstermen’s Association have
banded together to convince the Legislature that approving this
proposal would betray the public trust.
“We
appreciate the leadership of Chairman Mark Montigny and all the members
of the committee who stopped the bill from moving past its first
hurdle. People can continue to enjoy the beauty and splendor of the
Boston Harbor Islands State Park and National Recreation Area because
of their commendable action” said Baker.
“This
debate has illustrated the need for a long term comprehensive regional
energy plan, without which we are bound to have similar proposals one
after another,” said Frank Gorke, Energy advocate with MASSPIRG.
