Differing Views on SB 426
The Ventura County Star reports that the California Senate last week sent SB 426 back to the Utilities and Commerce Committee, which will hold a hearing on the bill today. SB 426 would task a state commission with studying and ranking the LNG terminals proposed for California based on how well they would meet the state’s energy needs and conform to environmental and public safety standards. [Free registration necessary]
The Los Angeles Times expresses support for SB 426, asserting that the bill would prevent officials from “making blind decisions” regarding proposed LNG terminals. However, Bill Cooper, executive director for the Center for Liquefied Natural Gas, challenges the editorial, saying that each LNG terminal proposal undergoes a comprehensive review process to ensure that it meets strict standards. SB 426 would create “senseless delays that could lead to even higher gas and electricity rates for California consumers,” Cooper says. Access to both opinion pieces requires free registration with The Los Angeles Times.