Business Council supports New York adopting LNG regulations

ALBANY, NY (10/30/2013)(readMedia)-- The Business Council of New York State, Inc. presented testimony today support of proposed liquefied natural gas (LNG) storage regulations under consideration by the state Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC).

"The Business Council has long supported the advancement of LNG as a clean burning alternative, when LNG becomes available in New York, it will significantly improve air quality," said Darren Suarez, director of government affairs for The Business Council. "By adopting regulations governing LNG, New York will join the 49 other states that have already adopted substantially similar regulation."

LNG has been used in the United States, and worldwide, for over forty years and its usage has an excellent safety record. Adopting LNG regulations would also allow for better prices "at the pump" ? as LNG costs less than gasoline or diesel fuel ? and the abundance natural gas available would provide a significant boost for manufacturers.

Reductions in vehicle exhaust associated with LNG are just one positive environmental impact, improving air quality for many of New York's urban and environmental justice communities.

Reduced emission estimates include:

• Carbon Monoxide (CO) by 70-90 percent

• Non-Methane Organic Gas (NMOG) by 50-75 percent

• Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) by 75-95 percent

• Carbon Dioxide (CO2) by 20-30 to percent

• Particulate Matter (PM) by 90 percent

"The positive environmental and economic impact of New York adopting LNG regulations is undeniable. For New York to be the only state not utilizing LNG does not make sense from an economic or environmental perspective," said Suarez.

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