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Posted: Monday, August 13th, 2012 8:42 AM HST

Hawaii Gas seeks liquefied natural gas approval

By Associated Press

HONOLULU (AP) — A gas company is seeking federal approval to import liquefied natural gas to Hawaii from the mainland. Hawaii Gas says it filed an application last week with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. The gas is being shipped from the mainland in insulated intermodal containers and will be used for emergency backup to supplement feedstock supply in case of damage or disruption to existing sources. The company says it's pursuing natural gas to diversify its fuel supply and improve energy security. Hawaii doesn't have any naturally occurring fossil fuel resources and relies on imported petroleum to meet energy needs. Last year, the state imported 42 million barrels of crude oil and 4 million barrels of finished petroleum products. The state is aiming to achieve 70 percent clean energy by 2030.