Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Import Terminals: Siting, Safety and Regulation
Abstract
Liquefied natural gas (LNG) is a hazardous fuel frequently shipped in large tankers to U.S. ports from overseas. While LNG has historically made up a small part of U.S. natural gas supplies, rising gas prices, current price volatility and the possibility of domestic shortages are sharply increasing LNG demand. To meet this demand energy companies have proposed building dozens of new LNG import terminals throughout the coastal United States. But many of these terminals would be built onshore near populated areas, so local communities fear the terminals would expose them to unacceptable safety and security hazards. Potentially catastrophic pool fires or vapor cloud fires could arise from a serious accident or attack on LNG infrastructure. Faced with the widely perceived need for greater LNG imports, and persistent public concerns about LNG safety, Congress is examining the adequacy of safety provisions in federal LNG siting regulation.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 27, 2004
- Accession Number
- ADA468225
Entities
People
- Aaron M. Flynn
- Paul W. Parfomak
Organizations
- Library of Congress