WASHINGTON The US Senate is scheduled today to vote on a bipartisan amendment introduced by Senators Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) and Jack Reed (D-RI) that would give states the power to block proposals for liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminals that receive approval from federal energy regulators.Under current law, states have the authority to block offshore terminals, but no authority over the siting of terminals on land. Reed stated, Our amendment would ensure that states have an authentic voice in the siting of LNG terminals by giving governors the same authority to approve or disapprove onshore terminals that they now have over offshore terminals under the Deepwater Port Act. If a governor has the right to say yes or no to an offshore LNG terminal, it only makes sense that he or she should have the same rights with respect to an LNG terminal located onshore or in state waters.In January, when Reed announced his opposition to the LNG terminal in Providence he also announced his intention to make it clear that Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has no authority to preempt a states ability to issue a permit under federal or state law.Under the amendment debated today as part of the Energy Bill, FERC would not be authorized to approve the construction, expansion or operation of an LNG terminal onshore or in state waters without the approval from the state. The amendment also gives states the power to ensure that any LNG facility would comply with current state environmental protection, land and water use, public health and safety and costal zone management programs.Rhode Island, like every state, should have the ability, and the right, to work closely with FERC and other federal agencies to identify means to increase their supply of natural gas while also considering the substantial safety and security risks associated with LNG terminals, Reed stated. The amendment, sponsored by Feinstein and cosponsored by Reed is also, cosponsored by Olympia Snowe (R-ME), Barbara Boxer (D-CA), Jeff Sessions (R-AL), Edward Kennedy (D-MA), Susan Collins (R-ME), Chris Dodd (D-CT), Hilary Clinton, D-N.Y., Joe Lieberman (D-CT), John Kerry (D-MA), Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Maria Cantwell (D-WA).