Debate Continues Over Cove Point Expansion
The ongoing dispute between Washington Gas Light and Dominion over gas composition issues, as well as state legislation proposed last week that seeks to regulate LNG terminals in Maryland, has raised new obstacles to Dominion’s plans to expand its existing Cove Point LNG facility in Calvert County, Md. According to yesterday’s Washington Post, some residents living near the facility expressed concern over the potential environmental and safety risks of the proposed expansion during public hearings held by state agencies on March 14 and 15. Critics have also accused officials from Calvert County, where the Cove Point terminal is located, of abrogating their responsibility. Noting that she spent significant time reviewing the facility and the expansion proposal, Calvert County Commissioner Susan Shaw (R-Huntingtown) responded to such accusations stating, “I feel like I’ve done everything possible,” Shaw said. “To hear them say that we did nothing is just not true.” The paper reports that the commissioners have called the proposed project an economic boon for the community. [Free registration necessary]