LNG: The Wrong Choice for California

Carmen Ramirez of Central Coast Alliance for Sustainable Economy (CAUSE) speaks at a rally of thousands in front of the State Lands Commission hearing. April 2007.  Photo by Brett Millar.

 

Lead Group(s):

Pacific Environment, Ratepayers for Affordable Clean Energy (RACE), California Coastal Protection Network, Border Power Plant Working Group, Long Beach Citizens for Utility Reform, Center for Biological Diversity, Community Environmental Council, Sierra Club of California, Environmental Defense Center

 

Description of the Problem the Campaign is seeking to address (50 word max):

Multinationals and California's utilities are working together to import Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), a new foreign fossil fuel, into California for the first time. Importing LNG would undermine California's clean energy laws by binding the state to enormous financial commitments and significantly raising greenhouse gas emissions.

Description of the Victory (30 word max):

Through community action and outreach, Pacific Environment and our partners in Ratepayers for Affordable Clean Energy (RACE) blocked LNG proposals in Long Beach, Oxnard, and Mexico's pristine Coronado Island.

A Brief Description of the long-term impact of the victory (150 word max):

In 2002, it seemed as if LNG imports in California were a foregone conclusion. Due to the efforts of Pacific Environment and RACE, six projects have been canceled or delayed. LNG is now recognized as a significant source of greenhouse gas that threatens California's clean energy goals.

The campaign crossed a critical threshold when the California government rejected BHP Billiton's proposed LNG terminal off the coast of Oxnard due to unproven need, air pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions. This victory was a direct result of major public pressure, including a demonstration of over 2,000 people from Latino and working-class communities.

With these victories, Pacific Environment and RACE have increased public scrutiny of LNG proposals. State legislators will vote this summer on a statewide LNG needs assessment.  This provides additional momentum for RACE's work on clean energy initiatives, such as Community Choice Energy, that can break our dependence on fossil fuels.