LNG 411

NG - Natural Gas is a mix of methane, propane, ethane, butane and other components that naturally occur in the ground. Typically it contains 70 to 90% methane. Natural gas includes other impurities like sulphur, often in the form of hydrogen sulphide, as well as mercury. It is refined and purified to meet regulatory standards and has a stinky odor added (to detect gas leaks) before being piped to our homes for heating and cooking. When purified, natural gas is the cleanest of all the fossil fuels. But even if it were the only fuel used, it isn’t clean enough to solve Southern California’s air pollution problems.

CNG - Compressed Natural Gas is a compressed form of natural gas, much like the compressed air that a diver uses underwater. It's common use is in fleet vehicles, like municipal buses. It's the same as regular natural gas except that it's stored under pressure to save space.

LNG - Liquefied Natural Gas is a form of natural gas that has been refrigerated into a cryogenic liquid, 260 degrees Fahrenheit below zero. One gallon of LNG expands to 600 times its size when it is converted back to a gas. If it makes contact with water, it can expand to its original size with an explosive-like force. LNG packs more energy per gallon than gasoline or diesel. It's practical for powering heavy equipment, like big rig trucks and electric power plants. If spilled in an accident, it poses additional hazards over gasoline or diesel because of its super-low temperatures: It can burn or kill on contact. LNG fires cannot readily be put out. Also, as it evaporates, it can’t be contained; it can asphyxiate. If it reaches an ignition source, the vapors can catch fire and, in some circumstances, explode.

CPUC - The California Public Utilities Commission is one of California's lead agencies that has primary authority over many types of utility or energy projects in the state. Other state and local agencies, such as the Coastal Commission and municipal zoning regulations, also play a role in helping to ensure that large, complex projects meet California's
environmental and safety regulations.

FERC - The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission under the Bush administration supports the interests of large multinational energy companies. The FERC has been trying to assert sole citing authority for LNG over all state and local regulations. This stance could ultimately rob California of many of its environmental and safety regulations for its coastline, airports, seaports, refineries and conventional and nuclear power plants. It could open the door to offshore drilling and renewed nuclear power plant applications