N.Y. legislators consider bill to lift statewide ban on LNG storage

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(Ithaca Journal, NY; June 19) -  With New York state lawmakers set to adjourn soon, energy-infrastructure companies are making a last-minute push to lift the state's ban on storing liquefied natural gas. A bill introduced in both chambers would ease New York's prohibition, allowing new storage facilities of less than 40,000 gallons. The idea would be to allow fueling stations for the increasing number of large trucks running on LNG.

As it stands, New York is the only state in the country to have a ban on new LNG facilities. It dates back to 1973, after an explosion at a Staten Island facility killed 40 people. Under the bill, new facilities would not be permitted in New York City. Previous attempts to lift the LNG ban have fallen flat. Clean Energy, a California-based company hoping to build LNG fueling stations along major interstate highways, has been among the companies pushing for the bill.

The bill has support from at least one environmental group, while others said they haven't reviewed it. The New York League of Conservation Voters circulated a memorandum in support of the legislation to lawmakers last week, citing the environmental benefits of LNG compared to diesel fuel. The state does allow compressed natural gas fueling stations. CNG, as it's called, can be used to power smaller vehicles, generally passenger cars and small trucks.

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