AGL Resources did not like the presence of a reporter at a meeting this week as it met with state officials to discuss its intention to expand its natural gas storage cavern operations. That’s OK, really, because it was indeed a private meeting.

Businesses have every right to talk to the state or federal lawmakers who represent their interests just as any person can contact their lawmaker and make a case for their interests, but if AGL is to expand its facility at Lake Peigneur, it will need to give residents of the lake more assurance that its operations are safe.

Atlanta-based AGL Resources is in the energy business and, as any company hopes to do, wants to increase its capacity to earn money. Expanding a businesses can be good for the surrounding community as more jobs are created, some temporary during construction, others more permanent as a larger facility is likely to need a larger staff.

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The state, too, could gain in the energy revenue it receives from transactions, as well as the income and sales taxes generated.

But there is a responsibility that any company has to, as best they can, be a good neighbor.

Although it is impossible to please everyone, AGL should continue dialogue with residents at Lake Peigneur, letting those folks know what and how they are expanding.

No doubt, the folks who have been monitoring the facility are going to keep up with the company’s permit process.

Sometimes expanding a business is good for the economy, but that should be balanced with the receptiveness of the community it will directly impact.

It should be hoped that both sides try to work with each other to achieve a compromise.

JEFF ZERINGUE

MANAGING EDITOR