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From LNG-related documents released by Governor John Baldacci pursuant to a 9/29/04 Freedom of Access Law request.

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Lubec resident writes to Governor Baldacci on LNG concerns and gets a response.8/31/04

From: Karen Burke
Sent: Tuesday, August 31, 2004 7:59 AM
To: governor@maine.gov
Subject: LNG

Dear Governor Baldacci,

I am happy to note from the State's website that you want to hear from us...the citizens of Maine.

I am deeply disturbed by your enthusiasm and support of bringing a Liquified Natural Gas terminal to Maine. At one time I believed in you as our governor, for your thoughtful approach on such issues as education, children and healthcare. As a registered nurse I endorsed and voted for you.

The LNG terminal proposed for Pleasant point raises disturbing questions for me.

Please take the time to answer these questions.

1.) What will the state government do to insure the safety of the people of the area of Passamaquoddy Bay should a fire occur on a tanker or at the terminal? What emergency personnel and services, including a burn unit, will be in effect once a terminal is built?

2.) Why does the FERC website list the LNG terminal at Pleasant Point as a PLANNED terminal - as of JUNE 2004 - prior to the vote by the tribe?

3.) Describe the security plan for the tankers and terminal.

4.) Specifically, how many jobs will be created for current local residents and what levels of skill might they require?

5.) Explain the impact on fisheries, fishermen and commercial shipping now occuring on the bay. Include tanker discharge into the waters of Passamaquoddy Bay and security perimeter please.

6.) Will an Environmnetal Impact Study be completed prior to approval of the site? What agency/group will be conducting the study?

7.) If we could have a referendum on casinos - then can we have a statewide referendum on siting an LNG terminal in Maine? Please answer these questions for me. I have lived in Maine since 1983. I started a Home Health Agency for the Regional Medical Center at Lubec and have made Washington County my home since 1994. We created 50 jobs at Sunrise County Homecare and I was presented the Plus One Award by Governor. As far as I know, these jobs did and do not create environmental harm.

I urge you to support Washington County by working to bring sustainable, environmentally respsonsible work to our area. Do not bring the energy tycoons here to rape our resources and our livelihood.

Sincerely,

Karen M. Burke RN MS
Lubec Maine
207.733.2211

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REPLY:

Ms Burke:
Governor Baldacci asked me to respond to your recent email. Most of your questions are best answered by FERC, or will be answered through the FERC review process. We’re working to get FERC and others to come up to explain to the public the process that this project proposal will go through. I hope you’ll be patient, and recognize that this project is only at the earliest stages of review my many governmental entities.

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Alan Stearns
Senior Policy Advisor
Office of Governor Baldacci
State House Station #1
Augusta, ME 04333-0001
(207) 287-3531 (voice)
(207) 287-1034 (fax)
alan.stearns@maine.gov
http://www.maine.gov/governor

[END OF MEMO]

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