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CCE applauds Governor David Paterson, Secretary of State Lorraine Cortés- Vázquez, and their staff for the thousands of hours of work they’ve spent reviewing the proposal and for coming to the appropriate conclusion that Broadwater would disrupt the Sound’s uses for both recreational and commercial activities. Secretary of State Cortés-Vázquez has demonstrated a clear vision for the future of our Long Island Sound and CCE would like to recognize and applaud her direct personal involvement in this issue. She serves both her Governor and the people of New York with an extraordinary sense of stewardship. “This victory is a result of the tens of thousands of citizens coming together with one unified voice for the protection of LI Sound and working tirelessly to ensure the Sound’s integrity is preserved for future generations. Their voice was clearly heard and we thank Governor Paterson and Secretary of State Lorraine Cortés- Vázquez for listening to those voices and recognizing the exceptional qualities of the Sound”, said Adrienne Esposito, Executive Director of Citizens Campaign for the Environment. “This was a long and challenging fight and CCE is eternally grateful to every person who took action to keep Shell Oil from invading Long Island Sound.” An unprecedented 60,000 hand-written letters and 100,000 signatures were submitted to New York State and the federal government on this issue. In addition, thousands rallied together at public hearings, press conferences, debates, and numerous other events to demonstrate opposition. “Connecticut’s leaders have been instrumental in this campaign and have really fostered bi-state unification to stop the project. A huge thank you to all our partners in CT for being outspoken and proactive from the beginning. This clearly demonstrates the LI Sound does not divide NY and CT, but unites us. For New York and Connecticut to join together so strongly in this manner is clearly unprecedented.” said Kasey Jacobs, CT Program Coordinator with Citizens Campaign for the Environment. The Coastal Zone Management Act (CZMA) provides for a unique federal-state partnership that is a proven basis for protecting, restoring, and responsibly developing the nation’s important and diverse coastal communities and resources. Thirty-four states and territories have federally approved coastal management programs. New York State found Broadwater would be inconsistent with the CZMA on 6 of the 13 criteria, including “protect water-dependent uses”, “provide for public access to, and recreational use of, coastal waters, public lands, and public resources”, and “promote sustainable use of living marine resources”. “Shell Oil’s proposal was not only inappropriate for the Sound, but reckless and arrogant as well,” said CCE’s Director of Government Relations William Cooke. “ Esposito added, “We all need to work together on future energy policy and this is a message to multinational corporate interests that the people want solutions, not quick fixes with big environmental impacts. New York’s decision should send a strong message that corporate irresponsibility needs to end. We look forward to working with Governor Paterson, state agencies, industry, and the public to find real solutions to meet our energy needs. Today’s decision provides an opportunity for real discussions.” © Copyright by NorwalkPlus.com. Some articles and pictures posted on our website, as indicated by their bylines, were submitted as press releases and do not necessarily reflect the position and opinion of NorwalkPlus.com, Norwalk Plus magazine, Canaiden LLC or any of its associated entities. Articles may have been edited for brevity and grammar. Related Articles: Governor Rell calls on DEP to challenge federal ozone standard - May 23, 2008 - 4:04:52 PM Bysiewicz vows to continue fight against Broadwater - Apr 29, 2008 - 4:55:22 PM Attorney General, in formal filing, says FERC must reconsider Broadwater in light of New York denial - Apr 17, 2008 - 1:04:00 PM Governor Rell supports federal legislation to strip FERC of siting authority for LNG projects - Apr 9, 2008 - 5:55:22 PM CURRENT HEADLINES: Top of Page
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