Lawsuit Challenges Zoning Ordinance Potentially Affecting Sparrows Point Project
AES is contesting a Baltimore County zoning law that would effectively prevent the construction of its planned LNG terminal in Sparrows Point, Md. In a federal lawsuit filed on Sept. 22, the company asserted that Baltimore County lacks LNG terminal siting authority, a power exclusively reserved for FERC. Local opposition to the project prompted the Baltimore County Council to pass legislation in June prohibiting the placement of LNG terminals within five miles of a residential zone. According to a press release, Baltimore County Executive Jim Smith said he has ordered the county’s law office to prepare a response to the lawsuit. The Baltimore Business Journal and The Baltimore Sun provide local press coverage. [Free registration necessary to access The Baltimore Sun]