Though the multinational energy corporation ConocoPhillips and its oil and gas subsidiaries paint a nice picture of what a liquified petroleum gas (LPG) tank would look like on the coast of Maine, we’re not buying it.
Many of us across the state are quite troubled by the planned development of a massive LPG tank in the town of Searsport.
Many who live in the area, including our friends at Thanks But No Tanks and those who organized this recent action, have done tremendous work in opposition to this environmental, aesthetic and safety monstrosity.
They say — and we agree — that the risk is too great and the fast tracking of this project is both concerning and dangerous. With the promise of short-term jobs and cheaper energy, the demands of large fossil fuel companies look to trump long-term local, state, and regional interests.
This project will impact all of us — both in the region and beyond; for this generation and for those that follow. We abhor what the LPG tank is, the kind of short-term thinking it represents, and we stand in solidarity with those who reject it.
And now, all Mainers and concerned residents have the opportunity to speak out against the project. This week – as the Searsport Planning Board holds public hearings from Nov. 26th to Nov. 29th — it is time for all those who stand in opposition to speak up and have their voices heard. Your voice needs to be heard. Your opposition counted.
A recent letter to the planning board by 350Maine organizers Heidi and Read Brugger, who live in the town of Freedom, reads in part:
The path to a livable planet is made up of many small decisions. Denying a building permit for the LPG facility is one such decision. Permitting the DCP tank in Searsport will make it harder to transition away from planet killing fossil fuels. Whether it is ultimately used to import liquefied propane or to export natural gas, its construction will bring to market more fossil fuel. It is an investment that we cannot afford to make. We have a moral duty to oppose the construction of the LPG tank in Searsport.
Here are some things you can do to get involved and help stop this dirty energy project before it moves beyond the planning stage:
- Sign this petition (here) which will be given to local and state elected officials
- Speak Out: Attend the public hearings in Searsport this week or
- Write a Letter: Here is a list of contacts or address your letter to:
Bruce Probert, Chairman
Searsport Planning Board
PO Box 499
Searsport, ME 04974
- Spread the word:
Share this link with your friends and neighbors;
Visit ‘Thanks But No Tank‘ and utilize their resources
Like the ‘Searsport LPG Tank Protest’ Facebook page and show your support - Join us at 350Maine as we support this effort against misguided fossil fuel infrastructure projects and follow new pathways to a smarter, saner and more sustainable energy future for all of Maine and beyond.
The Searsport Planning Board has said that actual letters are the best support you can give to the tank opposition. He said that if they have, say, 1000 letters against the tank and 300 for the tank, that will greatly support their decision making. Start writing!
With so much support – I hope we can defeat this tank!