Why is there a growing interest in LNG in the United States?
North America’s demand for natural gas is increasing, yet production in the lower 48 states of the United States is decreasing. LNG imports offer a way to obtain needed supplies of natural gas. Statements by public officials and studies about natural gas supplies and LNG have helped to focus attention on LNG as a solution for meeting energy needs. In July 2003, then Federal Reserve Board Chairman Alan Greenspan publicly stated that LNG could play a significant role in meeting our nation’s future energy needs. In April 2004, Greenspan said the recent surge in oil and gas prices seems to be here for some time, and would probably affect business investment decisions. If the rise in long-term prices continues, “it could alter the magnitude of and manner in which the United States consumes energy,” Greenspan said. In October 2003, the National Petroleum Council (NPC), a federal advisory group, issued a study about the long-term outlook for natural gas supplies. That study said LNG could hel
