§ 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.