Governor Carcieri has taken a positive step in trying to determine the best place for wind-power generators in Rhode Island that would hopefully lower our electric cost to both residential and commercial customers.

We need to take this a step further.

The importing of LNG into our state would lower the cost of natural gas used by homeowners and businesses. If the state could decide where this could be done safely, it could be beneficial to all of our citizens. If we took the same approach that is being taken with wind farms and identify any possible locations for an offshore terminal, we could expedite the process and save Rhode Islanders a lot of money.

Offshore terminals have been in use all over the globe for many years, with the product being pumped to shore. Storage might be located on an island in the Bay, such as Gould Island, between Jamestown and Middletown.

We must be active in finding solutions to our energy needs and not wait till a proposal comes around. Our energy cost for both electric and gas are too high to attract new business investment and the jobs that it would create into Rhode Island. The time to act is now.

RICHARD WELCH

North Kingstown