DEC proposes liquefied natural gas regulations for New York

Public hearing on proposed regulation slated for Oct. 30; DEC accepting public comments until Nov. 4

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has proposed regulations to allow the construction and operation of new liquefied natural gas facilities under DEC permits, Commissioner Joe Martens announced. These facilities include truck fueling stations and LNG storage areas. The public comment period on the proposed regulation runs through Nov. 4.

"Allowing the construction and operation of new LNG facilities will provide environmental and economic benefits for New York while ensuring public safety," Martens said. "Lower emissions resulting from burning natural gas as a fuel will provide significant benefits to the environment and public health. The regulations are designed to have minimal impacts on local governments and will result in job creation. Construction of new fueling facilities across the state will build on Gov. Cuomo's agenda to augment the economy and create good-paying jobs for New Yorkers."

DEC expects most of the early permits will be issued for smaller facilities that will supply fuel to long-haul and fleet trucks that use LNG as a substitute for diesel fuel. As the price of natural gas has fallen over the past several years compared to the cost of diesel fuel, the demand for LNG as a truck motor fuel has significantly increased.

DEC's proposed regulations require compliance with standards established by the National Fire Protection Association. This is the approach taken by many other states to ensure safe operation of these facilities. The regulations also set requirements for site inspections, training of local fire department personnel, closure of out-of-service LNG storage tanks, spill reporting, financial assurance and permit fees. The proposed regulations will not affect the existing statutory moratorium, which prohibits new LNG facilities in New York City.

Information about the proposed rule is posted on DEC's website at http://www.dec.ny.gov/regulations/93069.html. The comment period runs through Nov. 4. A public meeting will be held in Syracuse on Oct. 16, and a public meeting and public hearing will be held in Albany on Oct. 30. Refer to the website for more details.