APGA Comments on US LNG Exports

American Public Gas Association (APGA) submitted testimony to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform in advance of the hearing titled The Department of Energy’s (DOE) Strategy for Exporting Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG).

APGA President & CEO, Bert Kalisch issued the following statement:

“We are pleased that the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform is exercising its oversight powers by examining the Department of Energy’s plan for exporting LNG. The future of natural gas in the United States is bright, but only if it remains affordable. Exporting our natural gas resources is in opposition to this critical factor.

“For decades, Congress has pursued policies to find an affordable alternative fuel that can be used in multiple applications from transportation to manufacturing, and now natural gas is that fuel.

“However, now that we have this fuel, proponents of export are currently seeking unchecked authority to sell it abroad in order to enrich export investors and producers, while causing job losses and reduced wages for all other sectors of the U.S. economy.

“Unchecked export of LNG will also increase energy prices for home owners and small businesses, while also sacrificing America’s best chance to reduce its dependence on foreign oil through the deployment of natural gas vehicles.

“On balance, it is clear to APGA and those who understand that the purpose of public policy isn’t to enrich one sector oft he economy at the expense of all others, but rather that the negative externalities of export far outweigh the short‐term profits that appeal to proponents.”

[mappress]
LNG World News Staff, March 20, 2013