Citing widespread public opposition, Philadelphia City Council voted 12-2 in favor of a resolution on February 16 declaring opposition to any liquefied natural gas (LNG) import facility plans in the city.

LNG import facilities—such as the proposed facility for northeast Philadelphia being pushed by local utility Philadelphia Gas Works (PGW)—and the LNG tankers that would have to travel the Delaware River pose a significant public safety threat to densely populated areas. If a leak from an LNG tanker were to occur due to an accident or attack along the Delaware River, a resulting explosive fire could result in injuries and structural damage up to one mile from the spill site. Tens of thousands of people live within the one mile risk area of the proposed site, and along the Delaware River transport route.

In the months leading up to the vote, PennEnvironment had met with City Council members, organized neighborhood meetings, and reached out to citizens, neighborhood associations, labor unions and other groups to demonstrate broad public opposition to any LNG import facility within the Philadelphia city limits. February’s Council vote was a critical victory because PGW needs City Council’s approval to proceed with construction of the new LNG facility. The resolution was introduced by the three Council members (Joan Krajewski, Frank DiCicco and Anna Verna) representing districts along the Delaware River.

While PennEnvironment applauded City Council’s action, some council members—and PGW—made it clear that the debate around this dangerous proposal is far from over. Several Council members said after the vote that they were open to PGW’s risky LNG plans, if and when the utility submitted an official proposal. For this reason, PennEnvironment continued through the spring to educate and mobilize Philadelphians around the issue, distributing “NO LNG” window signs to concerned citizens and setting up additional meetings with City Council members and other key decision-makers.

Key steps towards
stopping LNG

September 7, 2005
A neighborhood meeting in northeast Philadelphia turns out over 200 residents in opposition to the LNG plans.

October, 2005–January, 2006
PennEnvironment and our coalition partners meet with City Council members, organize neighborhood association meetings on the LNG issue, and expand the coalition of groups in opposition to PGW’s risky energy plan.

January 18, 2006
Council members Krajewski, Verna and DiCicco declare in an opinion piece in Philadelphia newspapers that they intend to oppose any LNG plans for Philadelphia—and will introduce a Council resolution declaring the full Council’s opposition.

February 2, 2006
The anti-LNG resolution is introduced for a Council vote, but Councilman Darrell Clarke voices concern about passing such a proposal, and the resolution is tabled. PennEnvironment responds by alerting our members and generating calls and e-mails into City Council, urging Council to reintroduce and pass the resolution.

February 16, 2006
City Council votes 12-2 in favor of the resolution declaring Council’s intent to oppose any LNG plans for Philadelphia.

Spring, 2006
PGW is expected to test City Council’s opposition by introducing an official proposal for the LNG facility.

MEMBER ACTION:
Sign up for e-mail issue alerts