Delaware Riverkeeper Network Files Legal Challenge to Gibbstown LNG Permit
New Jersey – Today the Delaware Riverkeeper Network (DRN) filed a legal challenge in the
United States District Court for the District of New Jersey of the decision by Delaware River Basin
Commission (DRBC) to extend, for a second time, its approval for the construction of the
proposed Gibbstown LNG Export Terminal project on the Delaware River in Gloucester County,
New Jersey.
The complaint is based on the DRBC’s Rules of Practice and Procedure, which only provide for a
single extension of a Section 3.8 approval on the conditions that the project or site has not
materially changed, and that the project proponent is diligently pursuing its project. The DRBC’s
decision to extend the Dock 2 Docket for a second time contravened its own rules, and it
incorrectly concluded that the Gibbstown Logistics Center and Dock 2 Project have not materially
changed.
The DRBC’s decision to extend this docket also ran afoul of its own rules because DRP
admitted that it had voluntarily decided not to build Dock 2 due to market conditions. Delaware
Riverkeeper Network seeks a ruling from the court that the DRBC should never have granted this
second extension.
“At a time when we are seeing so much disregard for science, facts and the law in politics, the
ability of communities to count on agencies like the DRBC to uphold the rule of law and to be
guided by the true facts is more important than ever. It is disappointing that we had to file this lawsuit to ensure our River and communities are receiving the protection we are entitled to. But it
is clear that this LNG project should not have been given yet another lifeline by the DRBC that
leaves our communities under its continuing threats of harm, requiring that the Delaware
Riverkeeper Network has no choice but to file this lawsuit in defense,” says Maya van Rossum,
the Delaware Riverkeeper.
To read the full DNC announcement and the complaint, click HERE.
