The members of the Long Beach City Council, Long Beach, NY unanimously oppose the construction of the Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) deep water port, Port Ambrose (docket number USCG-2013-0363), proposed by the private investment group Liberty Natural Gas, LLC approximately 17 nautical miles southeast of Jones Beach, NY. We strongly urge you to veto this proposal.

Our City is an ocean beach community with a 2 ¼ mile long newly rebuilt boardwalk and an adjacent 3 ½ mile white sand beach which is open to the public year round and is a regional destination during the summer months. The construction of a LNG import facility (with potential to export) would negatively affect the Long Beach ecology, safety/security, economy and the quality of life of our residents. Long Beach is still rebuilding from Superstorm Sandy with many residents not back in their homes and businesses struggling to remain open. Long Beach is also without a Hospital which causes health and safety concerns. Therefore Port Ambrose is seen as an additional burden during the recovery process, especially without adequate health facilities.      

We understand the need for increased energy sources in our state. However, we do not believe that Port Ambrose is the correct approach. Uses of alternative energy such as wind should be seriously considered. Any benefits derived from enhancing the natural gas supply are outweighed by the negative environmental and safety issues as well as, the disruptive navigational and recreational impacts this project will have.

The council believes that the proposed project poses an unacceptable risk from the standpoint of environmental, health and economic issues. Please find attached, excerpts from the City of Long Beach public scoping comments for the Port Ambrose project, outlining additional concerns. The council respectfully requests that you consider our comments and opposition in your deliberations on this important issue.