Schwarzenegger opposes FERC control of LNG Siting

In an exhaustive comment on the Federal Energy Bill, California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has come out in favor of keeping a State control over the siting of liquefied natural gas terminals in California:

Acquiring adequate natural gas supplies is a high priority for California and the west. One of the sources important to our future is imported natural gas in the form of LNG. Yet the unresolved issue of state vs. federal jurisdiction for LNG siting is delaying the provision of LNG. I oppose federal preemption of State siting jurisdiction of LNG terminals, and urge Congress to preserve a strong role for States in siting both onshore and offshore LNG facilities.

I urge you to adopt two specific recommendations:

- Maintain the existing State authority under the Costal Zone Management Act for siting of LNG terminals.
- Retain the State permit review of siting, construction, expansion, or operation of facilities located onshore or in State waters.