The sex scandal that caused New York Gov. Eliot Spitzer to resign today wasn’t the first thing on Connecticut lawmakers’ minds as they watched the Empire State’s leader fall from grace this week.
What Connecticut lawmakers want to know is what will happen to plans for the liquefied natural gas platform known as the Broadwater Project? Gov. Spitzer had asked for a 60-day extension to make a decision on the project, and the April 11 deadline is fast approaching.
Senate President Donald Williams, D-Brooklyn, said, “In light of Gov. Spitzer’s resignation, it is crucial that Connecticut does not drop the ball on Broadwater. Our coordinated campaign to ensure that Broadwater doesn’t slip through the cracks must include consistent communication with the new governor and his administration.”
“With New York State embroiled in political turmoil and Lt. Gov. David Paterson preparing to take over the governorship, it is critically important that we stay focused on Broadwater and the role New York will play in deciding its future,” Williams said in an emailed statement Wednesday.
Sen. Andrea Stillman, D-Waterford, said Tuesday that Gov. Spitzer “didn’t give out any vibes either way” about what he may decide. She said Connecticut is hoping New York rejects the plan and finds an alternative source of energy to meet its needs.
“My office will draft a letter to Gov. Paterson communicating my grave concerns about Broadwater’s potential impact on Long Island Sound. I urge Gov. Rell to follow suit and make this lobbying effort a top priority,” Williams said.
Attorney General Richard Blumenthal said Tuesday that he doesn’t think the change in leadership is going to influence New York’s decision because it will be a decision made by a state agency rather than the executive branch.
However, Derek Slap, spokesman for Sen. Williams, said the state of Connecticut “isn’t leaving anything to chance” when it comes to lobbying against the project.
Gov. M. Jodi Rell said in a press release Wednesday that she “cannot fathom FERC’s insistence on moving forward with this environmental nightmare.”
“I remain committed to preventing anyone from putting this enormous – and potentially explosive – industrial platform in the middle of one of our most important and environmentally sensitive landmarks. I intend to call incoming New York Governor David Paterson as soon as possible to discuss my strong opposition to this project and encourage him to take the same stance,” Rell added.
Read the rest of her press release.
On Wednesday, the LNG task force created by Rell to study the project concluded that it “failed to protect public interests” and failed to consider viable alternatives. At 11 a.m. Thursday, March 13, the task force will release to the public its findings and recommendations at the Legislative Office Building.
