Lanterna Rally

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Published: 2009

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Natural gas use in the United States is on the rise. With a sharp increase in oil prices and rising concerns over emissions from energy production, natural gas is becoming increasingly popular. It is viewed as the cleanest burning of all fossil fuels because less Carbon Dioxide, Sulfur Dioxide, and Nitrogen Oxide are released when natural gas is burned compared to what is released during the burning of oil and coal. In addition, natural gas is widely available. The infrastructure for natural gas already exists and consumers can transition easily from oil to natural gas. Domestic reserves of natural gas are decreasing and accessing new domestic supplies may prove to be costly. Energy suppliers are looking to the world market to meet demands. Natural gas can be shipped via pipeline. However, this is not always feasible when sources are not located on the same continent. The most effective way of transporting natural gas internationally is in its liquid form by way of tanker ship. In order to offload Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) tankers, piers are necessary. These piers are often connected to processing plants where LNG is converted back to natural gas and shipped to consumers via pipeline. Safety is a crucial component in assessing whether an LNG marine terminal project should move forward. There are several areas of concern surrounding the chemical makeup of LNG itself. Questions are often raised as to whether LNG is flammable, what happens if it leaks, and if it can explode. A comprehensive understanding of the potential types of accidents that can result from LNG marine terminal operations and the potential scope of these accidents are crucial elements in deciding where LNG marine terminal facilities will be located and how the concerns of those living and working near the LNG marine terminal site will be mitigated. Proper regulation and oversight is essential to ensuring safety precautions for disaster prevention are in place and, if a disaster should occur, appropriate measures are taken to minimize damages. In addition, the construction of LNG marine terminals and the operation of marine terminals and LNG tanker ships have environmental implications. Concerns often raised include disruption and destruction of coastal habitat during terminal and pier construction, as well as terminal and ship operation, destruction of the sea floor and riverbeds through dredging, including erosion and sedimentation, and increased emissions from terminal and tanker ship operation. Safety and environmental concerns must be considered in conjunction with the economic impact LNG marine terminals provide. It is estimated that LNG will play an increasingly important role in the US natural gas market. Currently, about 23% of the energy produced in the United States comes from natural gas and this number is expected to increase. The major supplies of natural gas in the US currently come from domestic production, around 80-85%. Imports of natural gas from Canada account for around 12% and the remaining 3% comes from the importation of LNG. Examining the BP Crown Landing LNG marine terminal proposed for the Delaware River in Logan Township New Jersey as a case study can provide insight and understanding into the safety, environmental, and economic conflicts that can occur during the siting of LNG marine terminals.