The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has established that the New Fortress Energy Company’s liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal in the port of San Juan has been built and is operating without complying with federal law. Natural Gas, Energy Alliance Now (AERA) organizations reported on Monday.
Therefore, the federal agency will assume jurisdiction, requesting New Fortress to file an application to determine whether or not to authorize the operation of the terminal.
“We are somewhat relieved to know that we will finally start intervening in this situation that worries us, because we do not want another accident like Capeco or Humberto Vidal to occur. You can’t wait for a tragedy to happen and then take action. All lives are worth living and people deserve to feel safe where they live, ”said Sary Rosario, a resident of Puerto Nuevo Norte, in a written statement.
“The volatility of methane gas exposes vulnerable communities to the risk of explosion accidents, as the nearest homes to the New Fortress terminal are about 400 meters away from this facility. In the same way, the burning of methane gas causes respiratory problems, including asthma, among other adverse effects on the health of residents, which is particularly dangerous in times of the COVID-19 pandemic, “said Rosario.
In turn, New Fortress Energy assured, through written statements, that it is working with FERC to work quickly on the certification process.
“It is important to note that the decision does not interrupt operations and allows the installation to continue
providing significant savings in fuel costs and emission reductions for the benefit of the people of Puerto Rico, ”the written statements read.
The FERC decision responds to the many demands and efforts of the communities near the unauthorized New Fortress terminal, as well as religious, environmental and civil groups in Puerto Rico. The organizations that make up AERA and other entities have warned the federal entity about the danger posed by the highly explosive and polluting New Fortress LNG terminal.
He noted that New Fortress has begun construction and operation of the San Juan Port terminal to supply methane gas to units 5 and 6 of the Puerto Nuevo power plant and private companies. In addition, New Fortress built the terminal without complying with the requirement to prepare a location consultation and without any opportunity for nearby communities and affected groups to participate in public hearings.
AERA organizations and various sectors of the country have raised their voices about the health and safety risks posed by this operation, especially for the Sabana, Amelia and Vietnam communities of Guaynabo, as well as the Borinquen and Puerto Nuevo Norte neighborhoods. from San. Juan.
“People living near this terminal have legitimate concerns about their lives and health,” Rosario said. “This is a matter of eco-justice for communities and also of climate justice, as the burning of fossil fuels such as methane gas contributes to the dire consequences of the climate crisis.”
The organizations that make up AERA and the Hermandad Pastoral de Puerto Nuevo, which includes pastors of churches in these communities, have called for FERC intervention in this case. Felipe Lozada Montañez, bishop emeritus of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Puerto Rico, said that “the defense of life is the main thing and a fundamental part is the protection of the environment, which is part of creation.”
New Fortress is also under legislative investigation for alleged irregularities under which it built and operates the terminal.
AERA promotes the Queremos Sol proposal (quierosolpr.com) which calls for PREPA to install solar systems on the roofs of subscribers’ properties as the main alternative for generating electricity in Puerto Rico.
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