06.29.18
Key takeaways from the fact sheet:
- Maryland's gas infrastructure, including the Cove Point liquefied natural gas (LNG) export terminal, compressor stations, an existing gas storage facility, new and expanded gas pipelines and a gas-fired power plant, would increase the climate-destroying emissions from widespread methane leaks.
- Cove Point's LNG export terminal has been retrofitted to export natural gas and went into operation in April of 2018, despite community objections about the risk to workers and residents from potential accidents.
- Compressor stations are being built in spite of concerns and outrage from locals and community groups.
- The state's only gas storage field is located in the town of Accident. Because these facilities store gas underground, there is a significant risk for long-term methane leaks that can harm residents.
- The Delmarva Peninsula Pipeline is about to begin the permitting phase, and if completed will be 190 miles long, run through large portions of agricultural land and cut through wetlands and water bodies that feed into the Chesapeake Bay.
- Expansion of the Market Hub pipeline is proposed for the coming years, including a capacity-expanding proposal that will expose the public to greater risk of contamination, leaks, spills, and explosions.
- In 2017, Denton Town Commissioners committed to industrial-zoned land (surrounded by farmland) to be the home of eventual construction of a 600 megawatt natural gas-fired power plant.
- The billions of dollars being spent on fossil fuel infrastructure prevents Maryland from moving into a sustainable energy future. [2]