US: Anti-LNG ad to hit airwaves

FALL RIVER -- After weeks of using signs, handouts and word of mouth to voice its opposition to the plan to bring a liquefied natural gas facility to the city, the Coalition for the Responsible Siting of LNG Facilities will soon begin spreading its message through television commercials.

"Television is one area we thought we might not be able to access," said Al Lima, one of the coalition’s leaders. "But when we looked into it, we realized we could. We feel that we should use every opportunity available to us."

According to Lima, the coalition paid for the production and airtime of three 30-second spots that will appear on cable television starting next week.

"The purpose of them is to raise awareness among the public about the issue and potential danger from LNG and LNG tankers being in the city, and the danger of tankers approaching the city once a week," Lima said.

"Basically, the objective (of the commercials) is public education about and increased awareness of the LNG issue."

The message in the commercials is both visual and in text form, Lima said.

"We are trying to convey what is being proposed and the implications of having LNG in the community," Lima said.

Lima said the idea for the commercials and for hiring a local production company to produce them came from a coalition member.

"We would like to see them run until September or until (the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission) makes the decision" whether to approve the facility, Lima said.

How long the commercials air is contingent upon continued funding, Lima said.

"We will be broadcasting as many as our budget allows," Lima said. "As we fund-raise, we will continue to evaluate the extent of the advertising campaign."

Lima said most of the coalition’s funding has come from direct donations.

Daniel Fowler may be reached at dfowler@heraldnews.com.