Opponents to Broadwater Energy's proposed liquefied natural gas (LNG) barge in the Long Island Sound received some encouraging news this week when federal and state regulators questioned the thoroughness of the environmental impact statement.

The federal government's Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and New York State's environmental body each issued concerns with Broadwater's assertions. Broadwater Energy wants to build a LNG barge nine miles off the coast of Wading River. It says the increased energy supply would lower homeowner costs by $300 annually. The environmental impact statement also states the barge would have little to no effect on the ecological system.

However, the EPA says the studies on the effects on air quality, marine life, lobstermen, boaters and commercial fishermen were all not thorough enough. Despite the complaints, Broadwater officials remain confident the project will proceed. The New York Department of State has until May to approve or abort the project, while federal regulators have until the fall.

Related Information Broadwater Energy Hundreds speak out at final FERC hearing on Broadwater barge Giuliani defends Broadwater barge as protesters rally in Smithtown Battle lines drawn in fight over proposed gas barge off LI coast