To the NIMBYs who want the benefits of cheap, plentiful energy without any concomitant risk:
The U.S. (and the world) is rapidly running out of fossil fuels, especially natural gas, according to a number of petroleum geologists intimately familiar with the “Peak Oil” phenomenon. Natural gas can be liquefied and transported economically to the U.S. by refrigerated tanker. Once here, it must be regasified and pumped into our existing natural gas infrastructure. This will involve an ocean terminal, either in a densely populated area (Long Beach) or a slightly more remote area (Oxnard/Malibu).
Will these facilities be unsightly? Probably. Will they be dangerous? Possibly, but so is the morning commute on PCH. After all, South Bay residents have learned to live with refineries in their back yards. Since I foresee the alternative to be freezing to death in the dark for many of our countrymen, I am willing to accept a slightly higher risk with LNG.
Midwesterners who face severe winters will not be overly sympathetic to our desire to avoid any increased danger and preserve our views, when their very survival is at stake. One suspects this may be why the Federal Government is assuming responsibility for LNG terminal siting. They must consider the needs of the country as a whole at the risk of offending regional sensitivities.
Since there is only a finite amount of gas remaining, and in view of the voracious Chinese/Indian demand for all fossil fuels, I believe we should cooperate with any supplier who wishes to sell us LNG as long as it lasts.
Hal Matheson