Heinrich, Barrasso eager to speed up US LNG exports

U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich joined U.S. Senator John Barrasso to introduce the LNG Permitting Certainty and Transparency Act.

The bipartisan legislation will speed up the approval process for exports of liquefied natural gas to countries that do not have free trade agreements with the United States. It specifically requires the Secretary of Energy to make a decision on any LNG export application within 45 days after the environmental review document for the project is published.

“Natural gas has significant environmental benefits compared to other fossil fuels, and can reduce global carbon and toxic air pollution,” said Heinrich. “If the U.S. does not aggressively market LNG abroad, many of these countries may have no choice but to purchase energy from Russia or other nations that are not aligned with our own national interests.”

Senator Barrasso added that LNG exports will create jobs across the country, reduce the nation’s trade deficit, and strengthen the energy security of key U.S. allies who are eager to buy America’s natural gas.

“Right now, LNG exports are being stalled by Washington red tape and permitting delays. Our bipartisan bill fixes this by creating clear deadlines that force Washington to make timely decisions on these critical energy permits. This is a win-win for our economy and America’s national security interests,” adds Barrasso.

In addition to Heinrich and Barrasso, Senators Cory Gardner, Heidi Heitkamp, John Hoeven, Tim Kaine, Shelley Moore Capito and Michael Bennet are original cosponsors of the LNG Permitting Certainty and Transparency Act.

[mappress mapid=”16403″]

Press Release; Image: heinrich.senate.gov