Coastal Conservation Association (CCA)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 17, 2005
CONTACT: Ted Venker, 1-800-201-FISH

CCA Continues Diligence on LNG Facilities

HOUSTON, TX – A record of decision issued by the U.S. Department of Commerce clears the way for Shell US Gas & Power LLC to operate an open-loop liquefied natural gas terminal 38 miles off the coast of Louisiana. Coastal Conservation Association (CCA) maintains its opposition to open-loop systems, but has vowed to work with the government and the applicant to ensure any impact on marine resources in the Gulf is reduced to an absolute minimum and is properly mitigated.

“We have made it very clear that this plant should not be allowed to have a negative impact on marine resources. CCA has made considerable efforts at the highest levels of government to achieve that,” said David Cummins, CCA president. “The government has determined that the detrimental effects of an open-loop system at this particular LNG facility can be partially avoided and potentially mitigated. We are committed to working with the government and Shell to make sure proper mitigation measures are put in place.”

The siting and construction of liquefied natural gas (LNG) processing facilities along the Gulf Coast has become a source of serious concern for CCA due to the potential impact on marine resources. As the nation’s leading marine resource conservation organization, CCA will remain an active proponent for proper conservation and will continue to pursue its primary objective to avoid any negative impact on marine resources from these facilities.