Despite opposition from state officials, the prospects have improved for a proposed $700-million liquefied
natural gas terminal that would be built at the Port of Long Beach in California, according to a Los Angeles Times report.
The Long Beach City Council has no immediate plans to take a stand on the project, and local opposition has dwindled in recent months. Even so, state Public Utilities Commission officials oppose siting a terminal in the densely populated harbor area, warning that a terrorist attack, earthquake or accident could cause catastrophic damage. A nationally known expert hired by the commission recently concluded a fire could kill or burn people within three miles, an area that includes downtown Long Beach and 130,000 residents, according to the report.
Project developers dispute that, citing their own studies and a draft environmental report , both of which conclude a terminal fire would not harm people outside the port.
Only five LNG terminals operate in the United States today, but rising prices and dwindling supplies have prompted a flurry of proposals in coastal cities nationwide.
Source: Los Angeles Times