Import terminal – Facility that has the capability of accepting and storing LNG from overseas.  There are currently 12 terminals operating in the United States and one in Puerto Rico.

Export terminal – Facility that has the capability to liquefy and store natural gas so it can be loaded on to ships and sent overseas.

Liquefaction – The process of cooling natural gas to -260° Fahrenheit until it becomes a liquid, i.e. liquefied natural gas (LNG).

Liquefaction plant – Facility that has the capability of cooling natural gas to form LNG.  This is also called an LNG export facility.

LNG – Liquefied natural gas, or natural gas cooled until it becomes a liquid.

Peak-shaving facilities – Facilities at which LNG is stored during periods of low natural gas demand.  When it is needed, it is warmed back to gas and shipped to end users.

Regasification – The process of warming (LNG) until it returns to its gaseous state.