VCE Weekly Update

What is the status of the gas project in Vermont?

by Annette Smith (Executive Director of Vermonters for a Clean Environment, Inc.)

Power Plants:

On May 10, 2000 in Glenville, New York, Vermont Energy Park Holding's New York company, Glenville Energy Park LLC, participated in a public forum sponsored by the Town of Glenville. Thomas Macaulay was not in attendance. His partner, Robert Votaw, answered the following question about the status of the Vermont power plants:

Audience: "What is the status of the power plant in Vermont?"
Robert Votaw: "I think the best answer is inactive."
Audience: "You mean they stopped them?"
Robert Votaw: "We have stopped for the moment."
Audience: "Was it because of something that they did? So we could do something? [laughter] Really."
Robert Votaw: "It's a completely separate project."
Audience: "Well I know; it's the same type of thing, just in a different state."
Robert Votaw: "Indeed it is."
Audience: "Vermont is very environmentally conscious. What made you stop?"
Robert Votaw: "I think it's a separate subject."
Audience: "So you don't want to..."
Robert Votaw: "No I don't want to discuss it."

Pipelines:

The most recent statements we have from the pipeline companies occurred after Governor Dean announced that "the pipeline route is dead" in March, 2000. VCE called the pipeline companies and we were told:

Bill Hansen, Project Coordinator, Iroquois Transmission Company:

The project is "on hold" in wait of plant funding and Iroquois remains ready to file within "24-hours" of a new determination.

George Bonner, VP, NYSEG and Energy East:

The New York State Electric & Gas Company is considering "a number of ways" to serve Bennington and Rutland.
The recent happening is analogous to hitting a "pothole". "The project is not dead."
NYSEG is prepared to file within "24-hours" of need.

Bruce Roloson, Manager of Sales, Marketing and Community Relations, NYSEG:

The New York State Electric & Gas Company has "no communication with Governor Dean."
"The industry has devoted large resources to move this project forward."
"The project is on hold". Maybe for "12-18 months".

Is this gas project still impacting Vermonters?

Yes. Property owners along the pipeline route have been unable to follow through on contracts that were interrupted when the pipeline companies came into our neighborhoods. The spring water contract that was about to be signed is "on hold, just like the pipeline", the property owner said last week. How would you like to try and sell a piece of real estate with a pipeline route drawn on it?

Is natural gas still cheap, clean and safe?

Safety: The Government Accounting Office issued a report on June 15, 2000 which stated:

The number of major pipeline accidents - those resulting in a fatality, injury or more than $50,000 in property damage -- increased by approximately four percent annually between 1989 and 1998. During this period, major pipeline accidents killed 226 people, injured more than 1,030, and resulted in property damage of about $700 million.

Cost: The price of natural gas has doubled since January, 2000. High prices and short supplies are expected to continue into the winter. The soaring price is attributed to increased reliance on natural gas to fuel new electricity generators, and decreased exploration and development of new resources to meet anticipated demand.

Environmental Impacts: Natural gas is still the cleanest burning fossil fuel. However, the environmental impacts of exploration, drilling, venting, leaking, and construction of new greenfield pipelines must be taken into consideration.

VCE supports energy policy that focuses on reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

What can YOU do?
Stay home, drive less.
Use less air conditioning.