We have many times over the past few years voiced opposition to this wrongheaded scheme by the Shell Oil-TransCanada Pipeline joint venture. It's bad energy policy to encourage dependence on foreign oil and gas, which is the long-term effect of projects like Broadwater. The environmental impacts of the operation of this terminal would be huge and irreversible. And its placement in the middle of the Sound would disrupt the commercial and recreational fishing and lobstering industries. It would industrialize the Sound, a designated estuary of national significance on which millions of taxpayer dollars have already been spent to clean up, preserve and protect.

Broadwater was a bad idea, all the way around.

And the state, which has the ultimate say over coastal development under the federal coastal zone management law, rightly put the kibosh on the plan. But federal law gives Broadwater one more shot: an appeal to the U.S. commerce secretary, who may, for reasons specified in the federal statute, override the state.

The commerce secretary's decision has been repeatedly postponed and it's now in the hands of a new secretary, Obama-appointee Gary Locke. He has until April 28 to act. We urge you to call his office (202-482-2000) to ask him to uphold New York's decision. You should also call Sen. Chuck Schumer (631-753-0978), Sen. Kristen Gillibrand (631-249-2825) and Rep. Tim Bishop (631-696-6500) to ask them to call Mr. Locke to oppose Broadwater.

Mr. Locke, please tell Shell Oil and TransCanada to pack up and go home. Their LNG terminal just doesn't belong in our estuary.

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