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Opponents argued that storing the explosive gas in an urban area could pose an environmental and safety threat, especially if the terminal or LNG tankers become terrorist targets.

Dumb! Long Beach has two Naval stations on either side, one of which is a weapons storage facility.

Proponents noted that the $450 million project could create 1,000 construction jobs and that a deal could provide a secure, long-term supply of clean-burning natural gas.

Yep!

This is a bad deal for Long Beach. I'm opposed to the terminal strictly for fiscal reasons. Long Beach has a long, sordid history of being screwed and for screwing the taxpayers. They are promising lower gas rates, which may be true in the short run but it is doubtful in the long run. The pipelines would generate a modest new revenue stream but our city council WILL end up pissing it away, just like they've burdened us with outrageous pensions. We can't afford them and city hall is now angling for a ballot measure to raise taxes. On top of that, the Long Beach Police union rejected a very generous new contract offer from management...this is more money the taxpayers can't afford. I'm not that concerned about the safety aspect of the LNG terminal but it seems rather odd to locate it smack dab in the middle of the nation's largest port.

BTW, last night's decision was pre-ordained and well-orchestrated. As usual, councilmembers gave in to the unions and special interests on a 5-4 vote. Follow the money...2 of the councilmembers will be angling for state assembly seats next year and will be able to count on union support. The promise of 1000 short-term construction jobs is a piss-poor reason to sell your soul to the union devils. When it's built, the LNG terminal will employ a lofty 60 employees.