Media Contact: Reed Winckler, SACE Communications Coordinator, 865-235-1448, reed@cleanenergy.org
Port Canaveral, FL – The Southern Alliance for Clean Energy (SACE) commends the Port Canaveral Board of Commissioners for their unanimous decision today to reject an unsolicited proposal for a liquefied natural gas (LNG) liquefaction facility on Merritt Island.
The proposal, brought forward by BHE GT&S, a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway Energy, in partnership with Chesapeake Utilities Corporation, sought to develop a large-scale LNG liquefaction facility on approximately 50 acres of waterfront property along the barge canal in Merritt Island, Florida.
Community members raised concerns early in the process regarding transparency, land use compatibility, and the potential impacts of heavy industrial infrastructure in an environmentally sensitive and residential area. In response, residents organized quickly, engaged in public meetings, and called for greater clarity and accountability from decision-makers.
During a detailed workshop held on March 24, Port Canaveral Commissioners acknowledged that there had been no demonstrated demand from the maritime or space industries indicating that such a facility was necessary for port operations. Capt. John W. Murray, Port CEO, said, “I’m a port guy, so the most valuable asset we have on the port is the interface we have between the water and the land and I will always look at that first and foremost.” He further stated when speaking of the current status of port development, “…in my view, giving up 3,000 feet or 2100 feet of waterfront for a seaport is borderline…it’s almost incompetent to be giving up waterfront property as a seaport.”
A motion by Commissioner Micah Loyd during the March 25 Commissioner’s meeting declared the property at issue as “strategic core property” that should not be sold. The motion further directed staff to reject the offer for the property to be developed and used as a LNG liquefaction plant. The motion resulted in a unanimous vote to reject the offer by BHE GS&T.
Capt. Alex Gorichky, Local Line’s Charter, Merritt Island, said, “I’ve spent my entire life here on the shores of the space coast. I have intimate knowledge of these diverse waterways and vast ecosystems. We are very pleased the Port voted to support the community and not allow heavy industrialization in the form of a LNG plant so close to our homes, schools, and parks. Our community and lagoon are precious and we’re willing to stand up to protect it. Our lagoon isn’t just water, it’s part of our identity, our environment, and our way of life.”
SACE provided limited technical and strategic support to residents seeking to better understand the proposal and engage in the public process.
Tracy O’Neill, SACE Decarbonization Advocacy Coordinator, said, “Large corporations often rely on speed and limited public awareness to advance projects of this scale. That’s why early community engagement is critical. There is no advantage to a ‘wait and see’ approach when proposals carry the potential for significant environmental and community harm.”
The proposal emerged in late 2025 as an unsolicited request to acquire public land, with limited initial detail provided regarding scope, infrastructure, and end use. As more information became available, community engagement increased significantly, including strong public turnout at Port Authority meetings.
Diana Glenz, a resident of Merritt Island, said, “Myself and the residents of Merritt Island commend the Port commissioners on unanimously voting to reject the LNG plant proposal. They did the right thing by listening to our concerns. This is a perfect example of how citizens should stand up for their right to oppose these types of proposals that can potentially cause harm to a community both with negative health impacts and safety hazards.”
This decision underscores the importance of early, informed community engagement in infrastructure siting decisions. SACE supports transparent, community-informed processes that ensure residents have meaningful opportunities to participate in decisions that affect their communities.
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About the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy
Since 1985, the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy has worked to promote responsible and equitable energy choices to ensure clean, safe and healthy communities throughout the Southeast. Learn more at cleanenergy.org.
