LNG raises a broad-range of issues, including catastrophic safety concerns, damage to fisheries and other environmental effects, and serious negative impacts on the economy and quality of life. Here's the latest:

The Algerian Blast:An LNG explosion in Algeria shook the world on January 19, killing 27 people and shattering windows six miles away. A "scientific panel" -- with Calpine's "expert" Mr. Jim Lewis serving as its technical liaison -- told the world that LNG was not involved in this tragic event, but in April, a report was released proving that an LNG release was indeed responsible. Mobile Register, April 14, 2004.

Al Qaeda and LNG: "The nation's former deputy counterterrorism czar said yesterday that Al Qaeda operatives trained in Afghanistan came through Boston Harbor on liquid natural gas tankers from Algeria and that officials considered Boston a `logistical hub' for the terror network's activities in New England before the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001." Boston Globe, March 30, 2004.

Bush Steps In: The Port of Long Beach signed an "exclusive right" agreement with Mitsubishi in December 2003, and the company immediately began seeking approval from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). Now, over the objection of state agencies, FERC is claiming the Bush Administration "rather than California officials" has the say over the decision, saying it has the sole jurisdiction to decide whether the LNG plant is built.