Connecticut Congresman Christopher ShaysU.S. Rep. Christopher Shays (R-Conn.) told a group of environmentalists last weekend that he was "becoming ashamed" of his own opposition to the Broadwater liquefied natural gas plant proposed for Long Island Sound.

According to Newsday, Shays said he had heard "absurd" comments from critics and argued that "people in Connecticut and Long Island are dealing with high energy costs. We've got to have an intelligent debate about what (Broadwater's) pluses are and what its minuses are. Right now, we are not having an honest debate."

Adrienne Esposito, executive director of Farmingdale-based Citizens Campaign for the Environment, expressed her disappointment in the congressman. "I would say it was pathetic to see a congressman buckle under the weight of Shell Oil's lobbying," she told Newsday, referring to one of Broadwater's parent companies.