Last week, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation held the second round of its hearings on the  approval of the proposed Inergy Finger Lakes LPG Storage Facility. While it was much tamer than the first go around, it still had some of that circus flare we have come to expect at hearings on energy projects, especially in the Finger Lakes region, where seasonal residents who want no change of any kind, tend to congregate and offer their opinions in ways that insult others and the public discourse. More after the jump. 

Although a few folks spoke up against the project (e.g., Peter Mantius, supposedly a reporter, from Park Foundation funded DC Bureau, who we have debunked previously for his comments about this and other Inergy projects). I don’t even want to begin addressing why a so-called reporter would be offering remarks against a project he is actively covering in print.  Following Mr. Mantius several experts, with years of experience in propane storage behind them, stood up and spoke in support of this project debunking much of the speculative testimony of those opposing the project.

Please take a moment to get facts on the project by watching the following videos.

Joseph Porko, Porko Energy and President of the New York Propane Gas Association

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v9MNG3C8G2M

Phil Squair, National Propane Gas Association

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vbdexdfo8Vg

Roland Penta, President of Phelps Sungas, Past President of the New York Propane Gas Association, Immediate Past Chairman of the National Propane Gas Association

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2kpQtUeNFmE

William Young, the Chief Engineer on the Finger Lakes LPG Storage Facility Project with over 50 years experience

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=irSYWHsTuBc

Bill Gautreaux, President of Inergy Services with over 21 years experience

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qxAcKgWpc2Q

Terry Rice, the Plant Service Manager at the existing Savona facility

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WhWkAUwbEb4

Jay Jackson reading a letter on behalf of Mike Hopskis, owner of a local propane distribution company

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VFmkXVEau2Q

Joseph Rose, President of the Propane Gas Association

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nad42nwUgG4

A local lodge owner in Watkins Glen, Paul Marcellus, who has spent a lot of time asking his guests about the project and conducted his own research, came out to speak in favor of the project too.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c9MZATHSt7c

With the hearings finished, it is now time to wait and see if the DEC will stick with the science and the safe record connected with the the long-standing history of propane storage in New York and Schuyler County, and approve this project.  After 3 years waiting, it’s time to make that decision.