Although natural gas supplies about a quarter of the energy consumed in the US, it is imported through only five installations. About 20 more have been proposed, but are still undergoing the application process. One of the reasons for this delay is that communities are unsure that liquefied natural gas (LNG) is environmentally friendly, safe to be processed around humans and animals, and necessary if the US begins its intentions to reduce energy use in earnest. Independent researcher Thorndike provides the arguments for both sides of the issue, explaining the LNG distribution in the US, deepwater operations, LNG carriers and their crews, LNG characteristics and hazards, questions of cost and supply, licensing, the possibility of terrorism, standards and the very different results experienced by two different regions. Annotation ©2007 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)