LETTER FROM U.S. REPS. BARNEY FRANK, JIM MCGOVERN TO HOMELAND SECURITY SECRETARY MICHAEL CHERTOFF REQUESTING LNG MEETING

May 23, 2005

Secretary Michael Chertoff
U.S. Department of Homeland Security
Washington, DC 20528

Dear Secretary Chertoff:

We would like to bring to your attention a recent report, LNG Facilities in Urban Areas, which was prepared by counterterrorism expert Richard Clarke. It raises serious concerns about the risks associated with the siting of Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) terminals in populated areas.

Two years have passed since the Department of Homeland Security warned of al Qaeda's "continued interest in targeting liquid natural gas, chemical and other hazardous materials facilities." Since then, a detailed study by the Sandia National Laboratory, which was released by the Department of Energy last year, further supports this warning. Yet, as outlined in this report, measures to protect LNG facilities from terrorist attacks have not been adequately implemented, leaving communities in these areas particularly vulnerable.

As Members whose districts include the city of Fall River, where there is a proposal to construct an LNG storage tank, this matter is of great concern to us, and we respectfully request a meeting to discuss the findings of this report. Please let us extend to you our appreciation in advance for your immediate attention to this matter, and we will be in touch with your office to schedule a meeting.

Sincerely,

Barney Frank
Member of Congress

Jim McGovern
Member of Congress

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