Gov. Riley Rejects Offshore LNG Terminal

BREAKING NEWS

MOBILE, Ala. (AP) - Alabama Gov. Bob Riley has rejected plans by
a Texas company for an offshore liquefied natural gas terminal in
the Gulf of Mexico.
Riley announced Thursday that he has rejected the project
proposed by Houston-based TORP Technology for a site about 60 miles
south of Fort Morgan.
In a statement, Riley said he was extremely concerned about the
$500 million project's potential environmental impact on marine
life.
“I believe the potential benefits of the LNG terminal off our coast do not outweigh the consequences and the potentially negative effect this could have on our coastal environment,” said Governor Riley.

Unable to get his support, TORP officials have withdrawn their application for the project.

Governor Riley also opposed a proposal from ConocoPhillips Corp. in 2006 to use an open loop system for a different LNG facility off Dauphin Island. When Governor Riley informed officials with ConocoPhillips of his opposition, the company withdrew its open loop application.

“My concern is not with the companies that have approached Alabama for these projects, but rather the open loop technology they both planned to use. I thank TORP Technology for considering Alabama for this project and I am open to continued discussions with TORP Technology should they arrive at a solution that satisfies my concerns and benefits the State of Alabama."

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(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)