SB 376 Summary

• Enacts the Liquefied Natural Gas Market Assessment Act requiring the State Energy Resources Conservation and Development Commission to conduct a study of the need for liquefied natural gas imports as part of its integrated energy policy report.

• Requires LNG terminal project applicants to provide evidence of consultation with the U.S. Department of Defense regarding national security impacts and to include detailed environmental analysis in environmental impact reports.

• Mandates the Energy Commission create and maintain a public website matrix by July 1, 2011 comparing existing and proposed LNG terminals in California and the West Coast, updated quarterly with project information and environmental impacts.

• Requires the Energy Commission to update its LNG import study at least 60 days before State Lands Commission or California Coastal Commission hearings on LNG facility permits if an integrated energy policy report has not been issued within 180 days of the hearing.

• Authorizes the Energy Commission to impose fees on LNG terminal applicants to cover implementation costs of these requirements.