The subject of exporting liquefied natural gas (LNG) has become controversial. The Energy Department is studying whether or not it is in the national interest to export LNG and is expected to release a report in a few months.
The Sierra Club weighed in by filing a formal objection with the Energy Department against a Maryland liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal in a continuing battle against exportation. The group asserts that exports of liquefied natural gas would raise prices for consumers and expand use of destructive drilling techniques to extract shale gas. The filing also called for a full Environmental Impact Statement on the effects of increased Marcellus fracking that would be brought on by this export proposal. This is the first ever request for a full Environmental Impact Statement performed on Marcellus shale fracking according to ENews.
“Liquefied natural gas is not only the dirtiest and most polluting form of gas, but it also requires an increase in fracking; a process we know to be unsafe and dangerous,” Deb Nardone, director of the group’s natural gas reform campaign, said in a statement.
The Cove Point, MD terminal is the third export facility being challenged by the Sierra Club. The first two were Sabine Pass, Louisiana and Coos Bay, Oregon
Several years ago the industry was preparing to import LNG to meet the growing energy demands in the US, but the introduction of hydraulic fracturing combined with horizontal drilling has led to a current glut in natural gas. Industry argues that exportation is needed to maintain production and employment. But some lawmakers are concerned that exportation will lead to higher prices of domestic gas for US households and manufacturers.
For full stories, ENews and Reuters
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