The excursion comes on the heels of a vote last week by the House to establish a special commission to investigate the many proposals for LNG facilities in Massachusetts. A number of those proposals include off-shore terminals approximately ten miles from the coast of Salem.

Tomorrow, the Joint Committee on Bonding, Capital Expenditures, and State Assets will hear public testimony on a bill to convey Outer Brewster Island from the Commonwealth to the LNG company. Should the committee report the bill favorably, the House could vote on it in the next several weeks.

Although Representative Keenan does not sit on the committee, in his former capacity as City Solicitor of Salem Representative Keenan gained extensive knowledge regarding the energy industry as he led the city’s efforts dealing with the Salem Harbor Station power plant negotiations.

“I thought it was important to get out and see the island firsthand to better understand the implications of this proposal,” said Representative Keenan. “This is among one of the most complex and delicate issues we face today in Massachusetts. The need for diverse, reliable, and ample energy sources is without question, but we also must balance a myriad of other factors including environmental concerns, homeland security and public safety, and the value of these islands as cultural and tourism assets. I felt I would be better able to vote on this proposal by seeing the site for myself.”

Representative Keenan, who supports a diversified energy portfolio for Massachusetts, is also a supporter of the proposed wind farm off of Cape Cod.