Energy corridor moratorium lifted

MAINE - The Maine legislature has lifted a moratorium on the development of energy corridor projects through the state.

The moratorium was put in place last year in part to pressure Canada into allowing tankers carrying liquefied natural gas, known as LNG, through Canadian waters on the way to the Maine coast near Calais.

We understand that Canada may have been offended by Maines moratorium, said Senator Barry Hobbins, chairman of the joint standing committee on utilities and energy.

The decision to lift the moratorium is a goodwill gesture toward Canada and Canadian industries that want to transport electricity or products such as natural gas through Maine to large American markets, Hobbins said.

He said he hopes Canada will reconsider its opposition to the passage of LNG tankers through Head Harbour Passage in Passamaquoddy Bay.

Maine is now turning the other cheek and expects Canada to do so as well. Lets give peace a chance, said Hobbins.

We kind of extended almost an olive branch to the Canadian government hoping that they will look favourably upon passageway issues.

But thats unlikely, according to New Brunswick Southwest MP Greg Thompson.

Nothing has changed in terms of our position, he said. The federal government has safety and environmental concerns about LNG tankers sailing through the narrow passage.

Two American companies have plans to put liquefied natural gas terminals on the Maine side of the bay.

Senator Kevin Raye, who represents Maines Washington County, contends the proposed LNG projects near Calais are critical to lower electricity costs and to job creation.

As well as lifting the moratorium, the legislation also protects Maines interests, according to Maine Jobs First, a coalition of business, labour and individuals.

We are grateful that the Maine legislature adopted this legislation that will allow Maine to fully review these corridor proposals and ensure that they are in the best interest of Maine people and Maine businesses, said spokesman John Hansen.

In addition to any proposals from Canadian companies, the legislation also covers Mainebased companies, such as wind and tidal energy generators, that want to transmit power through the state.

In March 2009, New Brunswick Premier Shawn Graham and Maine Gov. John Baldacci announced their governments intention to explore the development of an energy corridor to move electricity and natural gas between the Maritimes and New England.

The corridor would eventually include pipelines, but the immediate focus is the construction of the electricity transmission line.

Along with the electricity from a potential 500 to 600megawatt natural gasfired Irvingowned power plant, the corridor could carry energy from offshore Nova Scotia or hydro from Newfoundland and Labrador.