CITIZEN POWER ALLIANCE

USA: U.S. Senators Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Hillary Clinton (D-N.Y.), Joe Lieberman (Ind.-Conn.) and Chris Dodd (D-Conn.) introduced Senate Bill 2822 last week that would repeal portions of the Energy Policy Act of 2005, which gave authority to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to make siting decisions regarding liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminals. The intent is to return the decision authority to state agencies.

Previously, state siting agencies had made such decisions, but the Energy Policy Act of 2005 pre-empted state authority for licensing terminals.

"The 2005 energy bill trampled on states' rights when it comes to LNG terminal siting decision, and it's time for Congress to set things right," said Clinton.

The bill stems from recent controversy over LNG projects in the U.S. in which state officials and local communities said their concerns regarding potential environmental and safety risks associated with LNG projects, as well as whether the projects were needed to fill energy demand, were not addressed.

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