The Surfrider Foundation, Jersey Shore Chapter

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Public hearings were a success!
Waves of thanks and CONGRATULATIONS to all for a remarkable turnout at the Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) public hearing in Eatontown, NJ, held by the U.S. Coast Guard and U.S. Maritime Administration!

Well over 500 friends of the ocean attended the hearing to blast the proposal to build a massive island that would bring us an unwanted, unneeded, foreign fossil fuel... LNG. You spread the word far and wide, and proved, once again, that grassroots organizing and the power of the people rule!

Over 440 chairs were packed, so students, parents, fishermen, surfers, divers, concerned citizens, and business leaders sat on the floor or stood three deep in the back. People came and went throughout the hearing.

Only a few elected leaders attended or sent representatives. In a statement read by staff, US Representative Frank Pallone (D-6) strongly opposed the island and LNG and requested an extension to the comment period. Monmouth County Freeholder John D'Amico and Town Council members Dina Long of Sea Bright and D'Arcy Green of Bay Head spoke-out opposed. Also attending in support of us were Monmouth County Freeholder Amy Mallet and a staff member from US Representative Rush Holt's (D-12) office. A meager showing, at best, of our elected officials, so be sure to contact your elected officials and tell them to KEEP US FREE FROM LNG!

Nearly 100 folks testified, and all but two flat-out opposed the project and LNG. One of the most compelling statements was made by 9-year-old Peter John Donnelly who said, "The Coast Guard's job is to protect our waters. I look to you for leadership. How can you ever think of approving this disaster? Our President said we would find clean power through wind and sun-not LNG. It's Un-American. It's time we think about the future, not just the now. The world already has put a lot on our shoulders...please don't add any more."

Call to action:
- Make sure your comments get on the record. If you were unable to testify last night or would like to add to your remarks, submit them online, by fax, or by mail by February 9, 2009 (include Docket number USCG-2007-28535, your name and address):
/Website: http://www.regulations.gov
/Fax: 202-493-2251 (confirm receipt by telephone at 202- 366-9329)
/Mail: Department of Transportation, Docket Management Facility, West Building, Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE, Washington, DC 20590-0001.

- E-mail Governor Corzine-tell him: NO LNG: Keep Us Free from LNG! http://www.state.nj.us/governor/govmail.html

- Sign the petition against Insanity Island and LNG at: http://www.thepetitionsite.com/petition/689151878.