[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 118 (Tuesday, September 20, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1905]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 889, COAST GUARD AND MARITIME 
                       TRANSPORTATION ACT OF 2005

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                         HON. TIMOTHY H. BISHOP

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 15, 2005

  Mr. BISHOP of New York. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of the 
amendment offered by the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Markey) 
requiring the U.S. Coast Guard to conduct a comprehensive risk 
assessment of waterfront facilities transferring liquefied gas, LNG, 
and proposed shipping routes for LNG tankers. I appreciate Mr. Markey's 
leadership and advocacy for the safety and welfare of Americans 
potentially affected by ``siting'' or expanding floating and shore-
based LNG terminals.
  Importantly, the Markey amendment does not refute the need for more 
LNG terminals or a greater supply of natural gas. Rather, the amendment 
simply requires an assessment of whether terminals are safely located 
and sufficiently remote from city centers and highly populated areas. 
It also directs terminal owners and operators how to best mitigate 
risks.
  The Coast Guard is a firm pillar of our homeland security and 
national security defenses. It is therefore uniquely prepared to assess 
the risk of siting LNG terminals upon our Nation's waterways and 
shorelines. Well-versed in the safety and security needs of our local 
ports and harbors, we must build upon the Coast Guard's success as the 
trusted steward of our shores.
  Accordingly, Mr. Chairman, the Markey amendment gives the Coast Guard 
the right to challenge the safety of an LNG proposal during the siting 
or expansion process. To that end, I strongly encourage my colleagues 
to vote for the Markey amendment in order to give the Coast Guard the 
last word in terminal siting and thereby maximize Federal preparedness 
against possible accidents or terrorist attacks upon LNG terminals.