WASHINGTON, DC -- Today, after Captain Raymond J. Perry of the United States Coast Guard wrote a letter of recommendation, as it relates to navigation safety and maritime security that would impact the Weaver's Cove Energy, LLC proposal to import Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) by tanker to a waterfront facility in Fall River, Massachusetts, U.S. Senators Jack Reed (D-RI) and Sheldon Whitehouse, who oppose the plan, issued the following statement:

"This letter fails to take the big picture into account. We fundamentally disagree with the determination that this waterway is suitable for accommodating LNG vessel traffic, even if certain conditions are met. The scope of the proposed project and its attendant security measures will crowd out other water users to accommodate a single purpose and place a tremendous burden on taxpayers and local law enforcement. We will continue our efforts to protect the Bay and ensure the safety of those who live nearby."

Senators Reed and Whitehouse intend to work with Congressional leaders in Rhode Island and Massachusetts and express their concerns to officials at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, the U.S. Department of the Interior, the Army Corps of Engineers, and the U.S. Department of Commerce.