Open Loop LNG Vetoed  

HOUSTON, TX – Heeding the call of conservationists, Louisiana Gov. Kathleen Babineaux Blanco vetoed a liquefied natural gas terminal proposed by McMoRan Exploration that would have utilized open-rack vaporization technology just 16 miles off Louisiana’s coast. Alarmed by the potential for significant damage to the marine ecosystem from these “open-loop” systems, Coastal Conservation Association (CCA) has worked extensively to prevent use of the technology in the Gulf of Mexico and applauds the governor’s decision.

“Last year, Gov. Blanco pledged to veto any facility using this technology, and she made good on that promise,” said Fred Miller, CCA National Governmental Affairs Committee Chairman. “Recreational fishermen across the Gulf applaud her strong stance supporting our marine resources.”

McMoRan Exploration is one of several companies seeking permits for offshore facilities in the Gulf to receive and process LNG using an open-loop system to reheat the gas. The open-loop system heats liquefied gas back into a gaseous state by circulating seawater through a radiator-like system. This system can filter over 100 million of gallons of seawater per day and chlorinates it to prevent fouling of the intake pipe, creating the potential to kill billions of fish eggs, larvae and plankton annually.

The governor’s decision on the Main Pass LNG terminal does not prevent McMoRan Exploration from moving forward using other reheating technologies that carry less potential to harm the marine environment. 

“We recognize the need for these terminals to provide an important product for America. But we also realize that this goal can be achieved without taking such a huge risk with our marine resources,” said Walter Fondren III, CCA National Chairman. “As long as open-loop systems – and the risk they represent to our marine life – are off the table, CCA is not opposed to McMoRan Exploration developing this facility.”

Through the past year, CCA has testified at public hearings, engaged its membership to send thousands of emails and worked with both state and federal agencies to remove open-loop technology as an option in the Gulf.

“Gov. Blanco’s decision represents a major victory for good stewardship of our coastal resources.  We thank her for her continuing commitment,” said Jeff Angers, CCA Louisiana Executive Director. 

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