(February 28, 2004, posted 5:40 a.m.) -- LBReport.com has learned that U.S. Energy Secretary Spencer Abraham travelled to Los Angeles on February 27 to meet with what the federal agency called "leaders in the Energy Industry" for discussions on "the importance of developing natural gas import capability on the west coast through the development of LNG terminals."

The U.S. Dept. of Energy's media advisory for the visit was dated Feb. 26 -- the same day LBReport.com and the Los Angeles Times separately reported that the CA Public Utilities Commission has asserted regulatory authority over plans by a Mitsubishi subsidiary to build a Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) facility in the Port of Long Beach.

The advisory said Energy Secretary Abraham, a member of the Bush administration's cabinet, would participate in an "LNG Rountable" to "discuss the importance of developing natural gas import capability on the west coast through the development of LNG terminals. Additionally, the roundtable will provide the opportunity for the participants to explore opportunities for the Federal, State, and Local Governments to work together to ensure an adequate natural gas supply to California and the United States."

Developing

Related coverage:

Groups, Individuals & CA Public Utilities Comm'n Seek Intervenor Status in LB LNG Proceeding