Concerns Raised Over Natural Gas From Abroad

Critics say imported LNG burns hotter and pollutes more than the domestic product

State utility regulators are embroiled in a debate over new kinds of natural gas that opponents contend would worsen air pollution, trip up power plants and make gas stoves, water heaters and other equipment more prone to fires.

The dispute concerns foreign liquefied natural gas, which could begin flowing into local pipelines within two years. The gas from other continents is chemically different and burns hotter than most U.S. natural gas.

And that worries an unusual collection of critics, including environmentalists, air quality regulators, appliance specialists and Southern California Edison. Critics point to a rash of pipeline leaks and a house explosion in Maryland last year, which the local utility blamed on the ill effects of gas from overseas.

“Everything we have here in California is geared toward North American natural gas,” said Rory Cox, California program director for Pacific Environment, a group opposed to the importation of liquefied natural gas.

LA Times