Free Republic

SAN DIEGO – Sempra Energy proposed Monday to more than double capacity at its liquefied natural gas terminal under construction in Mexico, strengthening its position in the race to build the first such plant on North America's Pacific coast. Sempra is building in Mexico at a time when rivals seeking permission in California are stumbling over opposition from environmental and NIMBY – “not in my back yard” – groups. The expansion plan is a response to “significant interest we have received from a number of potential natural gas producers and marketers,” said Darcel Hulse, president of Sempra's LNG unit. Sempra...

ENSENADA, Mexico (AP) - In late 2003, Sempra Energy's bid to build the first liquefied natural gas terminal in western North America was in deep trouble. Plans to import gas from Bolivia sparked a popular uprising that killed dozens of people and toppled the government there. Today, Sempra is leading the race. It turned to Indonesia for the gas, and is building a $1-billion plant on Mexico's pristine coastline, just 50 miles south of San Diego. The terminal, to be completed in early 2008, will be a key fuel source for California homes and businesses for decades to come. The...