N.Y. Environmental Conservation Law § 23-1703: Legislative findings

§ 23-1703. Legislative findings.

The legislature finds that it is necessary for the protection of the

public health, the environment and the economic welfare of the people of

this state to regulate and control the siting of liquefied natural and

petroleum gas facilities in this state because of the hazards posed by

liquefied natural and petroleum gas storage and transportation,

particularly in populated areas. The legislature finds that liquefied

natural and petroleum gas is an extremely volatile, highly flammable and

dangerous substance which if released into the air is capable, under

unfavorable atmospheric conditions, of causing severe damage even in

areas distant from the point of release. The legislature further finds

that the use of imported and domestic liquefied natural and petroleum

gas is increasing, making its regulation in the public interest

essential; and requiring particular caution in its storage,

transportation, and conversion, to be carried out other than in

residential areas or in dangerous proximity to contiguous population,

with the imposition of strict liability in the handling thereof.

It is the purpose of the legislature, subject to the provisions of

this act, that liquefied natural or petroleum gas facilities not be

sited in residential areas, or in dangerous proximity to contiguous

populations, and that transportation of liquefied natural or petroleum

gas be effected under maximum safeguards to protect such areas and

populations against possible catastrophic danger in the mishandling or

possible escape thereof. Natural gas stored or transported at normal

temperatures, whether under pressure or otherwise, after conversion

thereof from its super-cooled or cryogenic state as liquefied gas and

liquefied petroleum gases in the form of butane, bottled gas, propane,

propylene and butylene gas when stored or transported at their

respective normal temperatures are not subject to regulation under the

provisions of this act.