Looking into the future the Pelican feeding its young from a self-induced wound in its own breast (as depicted, mysteriously, on the state flag of Louisiana) is accepted as an appropriate symbol of both self-sacrifice and rebirth. Through his selfless efforts, man is raised from the slavery of ignorance to the condition of freedom conferred by wisdom. Given the current state of affairs in Louisiana, one hopes that the understanding of the Pelican as a symbol shall point the way towards a new consciousness of ourselves as a whole, and lead us to face our futures with strength, grace, wisdom and faith, to learn from our mistakes and carry our successes and zest for living to future generations.

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Sierra Club, Gulf Restoration Network, and Louisiana Charter Boat Association Ask Federal Court to Overturn Permit for Imported Liquefied Natural Gas Facility Because It Will Harm Louisiana’s Vital Fisheries

1. May 15, 2005
2. New Orleans, LA
3. Source: Gulf Restoration Network

Today Sierra Club, the Gulf Restoration Network, and the Louisiana Charter Boat Association petitioned the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit to overturn a decision by the U.S. Department of Transportation permitting a natural gas facility in the Gulf of Mexico despite its potentially severe impacts to critical Louisiana fisheries, including redfish, shrimp, crabs, and other species. The facility processes imported Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), which is shipped to the U.S. in a -260°F liquefied form, needs to be warmed to be “re-gasified,” and then delivered to the existing gas pipeline infrastructure.

Gulf Landing is one of the seven facilities proposed for the western Gulf of Mexico designed to use an open-rack vaporizer, or open-loop system, running Gulf seawater through radiator-like racks. One terminal alone could use up to 200 million gallons of Gulf water a day to “re-gasify” the imported natural gas. The drastic temperature change, physical damage caused by the process, and injected anti-biofouling chemicals will destroy zooplankton, eggs, and larva by the billions.

The groups filed a Petition for Review in federal court because the Department of Transportation’s environmental analysis failed to examine cumulative impacts to fisheries that may result from the seven facilities.

“The permitting of Gulf Landing defies common sense,” said Aaron Viles, Fisheries Campaign Director with the Gulf Restoration Network. “There is complete agreement among fisheries managers that these facilities will destroy marine wildlife, the only question is to what extent.”

Charlie Smith, Director of the Louisiana Charter Boat Association, which represents charter boat captains and guides across Southern Louisiana, asked, “Why is it that a sports fisherman can face jail time and a fine of $500 per fish for possessing redfish in federal waters, but Shell has approval to kill every redfish egg and larvae that enters its open-loop system? My charter boat captains would really like to know.”

“This is a classic case of federal scientists, who actually know the resource, being rolled by a bureaucrat in Washington following the directives of the Bush Administration’s energy plan,” said Larry Fahn, the National President of the Sierra Club.

“The Department of Transportation’s environmental analysis and permit decision fail to comply with the National Environmental Policy Act and the Deepwater Port Act,” said Karla Raettig, Deputy Director for the Tulane Environmental Law Clinic, which represents the organizations. “The law is clear—the agency must examine the cumulative impacts to the environmental, including fisheries, before issuing a permit.”

Contact:

Cynthia Sarthou or Aaron Viles
Gulf Restoration Network
338 Baronne St., #200
New Orleans, LA 70112
(504) 525-1528
www.healthygulf.org

Darryl Malek-Wiley
Sierra Club, Delta Chapter
4521 Jamestowne Ct.
Suite 12
Baton Rouge, LA 70808
(225) 925-8650
www.louisiana.sierraclub.org

Karla Raettig
Tulane Environmental Law Clinic
6329 Freret Street
New Orleans, LA 70118
(504) 452-3156
www.tulane.edu/~telc