PROVIDENCE, RI — U.S. Senators Jack Reed (D-RI) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) today hailed Hess LNG/Weavers Cove Energy plans to withdraw a controversial proposal to locate a liquefied natural gas plant in Fall River as a significant victory to the safety and security of Rhode Islanders.
The Senators have been working for years to block the siting of LNG marine terminals in urban communities that would require LNG tankers to pass by eleven Rhode Island towns and cities and more than 25 miles of densely populated coastline.
“From a safety, economic, and environmental standpoint, siting this LNG terminal in a densely populated, environmentally-sensitive area never made sense. I’m pleased Hess has abandoned its plan to try to force this LNG terminal on the people of Rhode Island,” said Reed.
“This LNG project would have posed enormous risks to the vibrancy of Narragansett Bay and the safety of surrounding communities,” said Whitehouse. “Today’s announcement that this project will not go forward is a win for our environment, our tourism industry, our safety, and all the community leaders who have worked with us to oppose this plan over the years.”
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