LNG dilemma: the need is great but so are the risks

Journal Article · Mon Oct 11 04:00:00 EDT 1976 · Energy User News; (United States)

OSTI ID:7231097

Beiser, M

Dr. Edward Teller cites the hazards of LNG, but at the moment there are no alternatives. According to the American Gas Association, imported LNG offers that potential of providing 3 trillion cubic feet of natural gas by 1985. This represents 3 percent of total U.S. energy needs forecast for that year by the Federal Energy Administration and 12 to 15 percent of the total natural gas requirements. In particular sections of the country, where domestic natural gas is already being curtailed for industrial use, imported LNG could supply an even larger percentage of the fuel. But that potential is threatened by local opposition to many of the LNG import terminals proposed for coastal points around the country. Residents and some local and state governments fear that a leak from an LNG tanker or storage tank could bring a holocaust of fire. The U.S. gas industry has geared up to bring LNG to this country. Supertankers 900 feet long and costing from $90 to $133 million each are under construction. Import terminals are planned for Boston, Providence, New York City, Elbe Island, Ga., Lake Charles, La., Los Angeles, Oxnard, Calif., and others. Some accidents that have happened in storage tanks or could happen during transport are discussed. After several studies, there is still no consistent body of evidence as to what the risks are. (MCW)

• OSTI ID: 7231097
• Journal Information: Energy User News; (United States), Journal Name: Energy User News; (United States) Vol. 1:2; ISSN EUSND
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

03 NATURAL GAS
030500 -- Natural Gas-- Health & Safety
29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
294003* -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Natural Gas
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