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.