US Congressmen Establish LNG Export Working Group

US Congressmen Establish LNG Export Working Group

Congressmen Tim Ryan (OH-13) and Bill Johnson (OH-6) have founded the Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Export Working Group for the 113th Congress.

In the wake of a recent Department of Energy report on LNG exports and a joint Congressional letter to Secretary Chu encouraging expedited approval of exports, this group’s mission will be to continue to advocate for expanded exports of domestic Liquefied Natural Gas as well as conduct meetings and briefings to keep Members apprised of new developments on the issue of LNG exports.

Other members of the group include: Republican Representatives James Lankford (OK-05), Mike Pompeo (KS-04), and Cory Gardner (CO-04); and Democratic Representatives Mike Doyle (PA-14), Jim Matheson (UT-04), and Pete Gallego (TX-23).

“Expanding LNG exports makes too much sense to continue to delay. Economically, the potential in U.S. LNG exports can have an enormous effect not only here locally, but in all corners of our country. That is why Congressman Johnson and I, along with the other members of the LNG Export Working Group, feel so strongly that the Department of Energy should process pending waivers. I understand the various concerns and fears surrounding expanded exports, however I am confident that DOE has the tools to maintain integrity in the Natural Gas market and protect American consumers,” said Congressman Ryan.

“Right now, America – especially Eastern & Southeastern Ohio – has the opportunity to grow our economy and create jobs through the development of our own God-given natural resources, like natural gas. By opening this important resource to world markets, hardworking Americans will benefit from the thousands of jobs and real economic growth that will result. This bipartisan LNG working group is an important part of implementing an ‘all of the above’ energy plan that creates jobs, lowers energy prices, and takes America closer to energy independence,” said Congressman Johnson.

Throughout the country, there are many natural gas import terminals that sit idle due to the glut of natural gas being produced in the U.S. Currently there are over a dozen facilities which have applied for long-term agreements to export LNG to Non-Free Trade Agreement countries. Should they be approved, many of these facilities will undergo a conversion from an import to an export terminal. According to the Center for Liquefied Natural Gas, which cites the U.S. International Trade Administration, every $1 billion in exports could result in more than 5,000 new jobs, many of which would be permanent manufacturing jobs. Therefore, $13 billion to $25 billion worth of LNG exports – the current range of investment possibilities – could mean the creation of between 70,000 and 140,000 new American jobs.

[mappress]
LNG World News Staff, March 19, 2013