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Letter presented in Moncton, New
Brunswick - 4/4/1997
To Whom it May Concern: The Down
East Resource Conservation and Development Council from Maine,
through
its Natural Gas Committee, would like to
take
this opportunity to avail itself of the privilege to present a Letter
of
Comment to the Joint Public Review Board. We have also presented to the
National Energy Board of Canada a previous Letter of Comment, dated 28
October 1996. We would appreciate being able to present our interests
and
concerns in the Sable Island Project and gas pipeline which are listed
as follows:
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We have great hopes that the pipeline, when built, will come into the
United
States near Calais, Maine, from New Brunswick. This is for a number of
reasons. First of all, it would provide an excellent market for surplus
gas above Canadian Maritime needs.
-
It would reduce the chance of oil spills from imported oil which has
disastrously
polluted ocean waters and coastal regions in many parts of the world.
-
It would provide a dependable source of clean energy for many years to
come to both nations.
-
The Maritime provinces of Canada and Maine, particularly northeastern
Maine,
have been closely tied economically and personally as adjoining
neighbors.
We cooperate, work, and play in each other's back yards so we have much
interest in the Sable Island Off and On-shore Energy Project plans to
bring
a supply of natural gas to our down east area, which mainly has never
had
a supply of natural gas before. Less air pollution would be another
beneficial
result.
-
As many American oil companies are objecting to the introduction of
natural
gas, I suspect that it might have a cost advantage also.
-
Down East RC&D has had an excellent working relationship with
Maritimes
and Northeast Pipeline Company and its Canadian co-venturer West Coast
Energy. Both groups have listened to our concerns, supplied us with
informational
materials, and have treated us with consideration. We appreciate this
relationship
and have confidence in their ability to carry out this project
satisfactorily.
These are at least some of the reasons we are in favor of the project
and
expect more will develop as time goes on. We are particularly anxious
for
the pipeline to come from New Brunswick through eastern Maine. We
appreciate
the opportunity to be able to submit this Letter of Comment. Sincerely
yours, Allison G. Catheron, Chairman Down East RC&D Natural Gas
Committee
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