Maine Legislature Lifts Moratorium on New Dangerous Natural Gas Lines in the State.

The Maine legislature has lifted a moratorium on the development of energy corridor projects through the state.

The moratorium was put in place last year in part to pressure Canada into allowing tankers carrying liquefied natural gas, known as LNG, through Canadian waters on the way to the Maine coast near Calais.

"We understand that Canada may have been offended by Maine's moratorium," said Senator Barry Hobbins, chairman of the joint standing committee on utilities and energy.

'We kind of extended almost an olive branch to the Canadian government hoping that they will look favourably upon passageway issues.'—Senator Barry Hobbins
The decision to lift the moratorium is a goodwill gesture toward Canada and Canadian industries that want to transport electricity or products such as natural gas through Maine to large American markets, Hobbins said.

He said he hopes Canada will reconsider its opposition to the passage of LNG tankers through Head Harbour Passage in Passamaquoddy Bay.

"Maine is now turning the other cheek and expects Canada to do so as well. Let's give peace a chance," said Hobbins.