COLLINS OPPOSES LNG LANGUAGE IN CONFERENCE REPORT

WASHINGTON, DC – Senator Collins today expressed her disappointment with language included in an explanatory report accompanying the FY 2005 Omnibus Appropriations bill. The report contained language in which the Appropriations Committee conferees commented on Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) versus state jurisdiction over liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminals. The language states that the "conferees agreed" with a March 24, 2004 FERC order asserting federal jurisdiction over the approval and siting of LNG terminals.

This language is not legislative language and was not included in the actual omnibus bill. The language was meant to express the opinions of the appropriations committee conferees on an issue which falls under the jurisdiction of the Energy Committee, not the Appropriations Committee. The language does not carry the force of law.

"I am disappointed that the conferees included language in the Omnibus Conference Report relating to FERC versus State jurisdiction over the siting of LNG terminals. This issue should be addressed by the proper authorizing committee and then considered on its merits by the full Senate—not buried in report language on an appropriations bill. Not only does this report language not carry the force of law, but I can also state that it does not represent the views of this Senator," Senator Collins said.

###