A proposal to place a liquefied natural gas terminal combined with a tidal power plant on Navy property in Cutler has been recently floated by my group, Tidewalker Associates. In my opinion, the idea has semi-resonated mainly because it is a good idea.

As a self-serving act, I will now offer 10 reasons why the federal government should support the initiative. The reasons will not be offered in a priority order (a la David Letterman), but will reflect how they emerge from my thought process with some editing.

1. The Navy should still operate their signal transmittal facility while facilitating another LNG facility for the East Coast. Electromagnetic waves initiated by the Navy in the early 1960s would still propagate for national security objectives.

2. By assisting with the development of a renewable energy resource, the Navy could gain emission-limiting benefits from the partial displacement of fossil fuel at its on-site power plant. By this arrangement, the Navy would actively participate in their own goals of energy independence while receiving credit for pollution prevention and regulatory compliance.

3. George W. Bush by taking a proactive position would reduce the pressure on our Canadian neighbors who have almost unilaterally opposed LNG terminals for Passamaquoddy Bay. This good faith effort would demonstrate the United States willingness to accept institutional costs on their own property.

4. Washington County would gain and preserve jobs by helping to ensure the placement of at least one LNG terminal in Down East Maine.

5. The availability of energy resources, both tidal and natural gas, would allow for a well-planned development of Washington County. The existence of a stable industrial base might create the appropriate conditions for preserving the rest of Washington County in its natural state without recurring calls for major development projects. Until Washington County feels the sting of industrialization, a debate will continue between development and the need to preserve a lifestyle.

6. Since the Cutler naval site is in existence, the incremental impact of an LNG terminal will not be as severe as other proposals. An infrastructure exists at Cutler Navy (e.g., security) to absorb an LNG terminal.

7. In engineering terms, the Cutler site has excellent characteristics for the placement of an LNG terminal and connectivity to an existing pipeline.

8. In environmental terms, Cutler Navy is still recovering from years of abuse. The construction of a tidal and LNG terminal will be designed to supplement remediation efforts.

9. For historical links, the involvement of the Passamaquoddy tribe has been solicited by Tidewalker Associates in order to embrace community interaction and to allow for an expanded sharing of the wealth and costs. Until a decision is made on Passamaquoddy Bay proposals, I have not actively pursued this arrangement other than to express to relevance of this type of relationship.

10. A decision from George W. Bush to embrace Tidewalker Associates will increase his favorability ratings. President Bush has lived in Maine and his parents still live in Maine. He is well aware of Maine’s beauty and independence. President Bush has recently stated that he would support an LNG terminal on military property designated for closure. In this case, a federal facility can co-exist with an LNG terminal at once of the last viable sites on the East Coast of the United States.

I am sure there are other good reasons for supporting this project; however, I will stop now. Tidewalker Associates will continue with its plans as described in the preliminary permit application submitted to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) on April 29. I have been pleased with the response to this proposal and the public will be kept informed on our progress.

Normand Laberge is a professional engineer from Trescott.