NOT IN OUR BACKYARD? UH LAW CONFERENCE
EXPLORES
WHO DETERMINES LOCATION OF LNG SITES
With the continuing volatility of gasoline prices, U.S. energy
companies are taking a closer look at liquefied natural gas (LNG),
raising an important new issue. Just who can grant authority to
establish these terminals?
That question will be explored during “Should We Site It
Here? LNG, the Environment and Federalism,” a conference sponsored
by the University of Houston Law Center’s (UHLC) Energy and
Environmental Law Society March 3.
LNG proponents insist the processing method is inexpensive, safe
and could reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Critics argue LNG sites
are associated with risk of accidents, localized air pollution and
visual blight.
“Given the positive and negative environmental issues associated
with LNG, there is great debate about who – federal, state,
local government or a combination – should determine where
terminals should be located,” said Victor Flatt, UHLC associate
dean. “The 2005 Federal Energy Act theoretically gave the
federal government absolute authority. However, there are loopholes,
and this is not the end of the story. Most recently, the Supreme
Court has agreed to hear a state controversy, Delaware v. New Jersey,
about the siting of a terminal.”
Sheila Slocum Hollis, a partner with Duane Morris LLP, will provide
an industry perspective on LNG. The Hon. Danny J. Boggs, Chief Judge
of the U.S. Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals and former deputy secretary
of energy, will deliver the keynote address. Flatt will moderate
the academic symposium.
Registration for the conference is $150 for the general legal community,
$99 for government and non-profit employees, and free for UH students
and reporters covering the event. Seven hours of CLE participatory
credit are available. Register by e-mailing briefcase@uh.edu or
calling 713-743-2201. Interested media should contact Angie Joe
(ajoe@uh.edu or 713-743-8153).
For more information about the conference, go to http://www.law.uh.edu/news/evites/LNG.pdf.
WHAT: |
“Should We Site It Here?: LNG,
the Environment and Federalism” |
WHO: |
UH Law Center Energy and Environmental Law Society |
WHEN: |
Friday, March 3, 2006
8:30 a.m. – Welcome and introductions
9 a.m. – Overview of LNG
10 a.m. – LNG’s Environmental Promise and Peril
Noon – Luncheon Keynote Speaker: Hon. Danny J. Boggs
1:45 p.m. – Federalism and LNG |
WHERE: |
UH Hilton Hotel and Conference Center |
For more information about UH visit the universitys Newsroom at www.uh.edu/admin/media/newsroom.
|