Arnold Leaves Door Open For LNG.

For those of you who don't frequent the comment section of this blog, this could be news:

In the biggest political no-brainer of all time, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has formally denied the Cabrillo Port LNG project that was, for all intents and purposes, dead anyway.

In issuing the denial, the Governor, did however, state his desire to see an offshore LNG facility somewhere in California. As reported in the San Francisco Chronicle:

"Although I strongly support building an offshore LNG facility in California, based on the unmitigated and significant environmental impacts associated with Cabrillo Port LNG's proposed project, I disapprove this application."

Now the LNG issue moves south to Long Beach, where Esperanza energy has announced its plans to move forward with its own offshore energy project. As discussed last week, the project appears to have the cautious support of the City of Long Beach because it is more secure and more environmentally friendly than previously proposed LNG projects, not to mention the fact that it would generate significant revenues for the City of Long Beach.

The ancillary economic benefits of Port Esperanza should be staggering as well. Just imagine the huge influx of new property taxes the city will be able to collect when Pierce Brosnan and the rest of the Malibu Millionaires build new waterfront mansions in Long Beach so they can continue their fight against LNG. (Wait... they're not coming???)

Governor rejects proposed offshore liquid gas terminal [San Francisco Chronicle]