costs taxpayers more than $80,000 in security costs.
Proponents of Calpine's proposal point to jobs and the economy as the reason it should be pursued. However, it would create few, if any, new permanent jobs, and would also have associated costs that may not be immediately apparent.
Jobs: What's in It for the Workers?
Calpine estimates the LNG facility would create approximately 60 permanent jobs. But if approved, it would also replace the existing power plant on Humboldt Bay, eliminating about the same number of jobs that Calpine says it will create. Moreover, the actual number of jobs that would go to people living in the area is unclear, since companies frequently bring employees in to work in highly specialized facilities like this. It is also important to note that employees would be working in a dangerous environment with a hazardous substance, confronting additional threats beyond those already discussed.
The Taxpayer Expense
As security concerns soared after the events of September 11, so did the security costs to the public. LNG shipments now involve the FBI, Coast Guard, and state and local law enforcement, among others. As explained in a recent report to Congress, "Agency officials are concerned about the public costs of LNG security, and the growth in those costs as LNG imports increase." It is estimated that each LNG shipment to Boston costs over $36,000 in state and local tax funds and $40,000 to $50,000 in federal tax funds, excluding the cost to the company.
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