SB 1496 Summary

• Requires the State Energy Resources Conservation and Development Commission to include in its biennial integrated energy policy report a compilation of data on worldwide liquefied natural gas (LNG) market prices, flows, imports, and exports to West Coast terminals beginning January 1, 2013.

• Mandates the Commission create and maintain a publicly accessible matrix on its website by July 1, 2013 comparing existing and proposed LNG terminals in California, Alaska, Canada, and Mexico, including environmental impacts, mitigation measures, project details, and capacity information, updated quarterly.

• Requires LNG terminal project applicants to include in their applications evidence of consultation with the United States Department of Defense regarding potential impacts on national security, military operations, training, and weapons testing.

• Establishes that environmental impact reports for LNG terminal projects not deemed data adequate by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission or Maritime Administration by January 1, 2013 must include comparative analysis of alternative technologies, analysis of impacts on minority and low-income populations, and a full life-cycle greenhouse gas analysis.

• Removes provisions imposing fees on LNG terminal applicants and requirements for the Commission to update studies prior to State Lands Commission or California Coastal Commission hearings.