Congress pushing to take State's rights again with energy legislation

[cyberpj]

Yes, I'm from Delaware and we will be hard hit by BPs liquid natural gas terminal that our state has refused but Energy interests want anyway. This terminal would be close enough to populated areas to have major impact if there was a problem or attack. Here's one quote about damage from a LNG explosion: "A study commissioned by the Department of Energy found that an intentional breaching of a tankerload of liquefied natural gas could release vapors flammable at a distance of more than 2 miles, or could trigger a fire that would cause blisters 1.3 miles away."

Please help us object to this legislation that continues to obliterate states rights! Write your people NOW. California, Delaware, New Jersey, Massachusetts and other states are being eyed as likely terminal sites.

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Bill would force gas terminals on states

House energy panel OKs legislation
By JENNIFER BROOKS / Gannett News Service
04/14/200

5WASHINGTON -- The House of Representatives is pushing ahead with legislation that could prevent coastal states from halting the construction of liquefied natural gas terminals.

The House Energy and Commerce Committee signed off Wednesday on a bill that would rewrite U.S. energy policy, shifting power from states to federal regulators. The provisions are part of Congress' omnibus Energy Policy Act, a national blueprint that touches on everything from renewable energy to drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. The bill goes to the full House. The Senate is working on its own version.

Republicans have been trying unsuccessfully to pass comprehensive energy legislation for three years, but supporters now have the added incentive of an energy crunch that has drastically raised gas and oil prices.

Lawmakers from California, Delaware, New Jersey, Massachusetts and other states that are being eyed as likely terminal sites have condemned the natural gas provisions, which they describe as a blow to states' rights and a threat to public safety and the environment. The provisions would give the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission sole authority to site the terminals, and to override state laws and community objections in the process.

http://www.delawareonline.com/newsjournal/local/2005/04/14billwouldforceg.html


Delaware forum link for more info:
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=144x200