Bill would give states LNG siting role -- The Quoddy Tides, Eastport, Maine

Four U.S. senators introduced legislation on April 7 that would repeal portions of the federal Energy Policy Act of 2005 that took away states' regulatory role in siting liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminals. The legislation was introduced by Oregon Senator Ron Wyden, with New York Senator Hillary Clinton and Connecticut senators Joe Lieberman and Chris Dodd as co-sponsors.

Clinton said, "The 2005 energy bill trampled on states' rights when it comes to LNG terminal siting decisions, and it's time for Congress to set things right." For Clinton, Lieberman and Dodd, the federal rules around the construction of LNG facilities have become a flashpoint in their home states because of the controversy over a proposed LNG terminal, Broadwater, in Long Island Sound. On March 20, the Federal Energy Commission (FERC) approved a proposal by Broadwater Energy LLC to construct and operate the first floating terminal for the storage and delivery of LNG in the United States.

Oregon Senator Wyden, who introduced the bill, has been outspoken about the need for states to play a larger role in the siting of LNG facilities. In Oregon, three LNG terminals are in the works as well as two pipeline projects.