USA: Senator Inhofe Again Urges Faster Pace on LNG Export Applications

U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), senior member of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee responded to the Department of Energy’s (DOE) recent announcement that it has conditionally authorized an additional Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) export application and urged the Department to expedite the permit approval process.

“I welcome this announcement from the Department of Energy; however, unnecessary delays with the 19 permits that have been collecting dust at the DOE endangers our economic and national security,” said Inhofe. “I remain concerned that the Department is slow walking the permit approval process. A bipartisan group of 33 Senators share my concerns and joined me in sending a letter asking the Department to expedite the review of pending applications. The window of U.S. competitiveness in the global LNG trade is narrowing. It’s critical the DOE makes decisions more quickly to ensure that the U.S. can maximize this great economic opportunity.”

On July 10, Inhofe led a bipartisan group of 33 Senators in a letter to Secretary of Energy Ernest Moniz urging the DOE to process more than one application at a time and at a faster pace. The DOE has not yet responded.

On Feb. 21, Inhofe sent a letter hailing the benefits of LNG exports and commenting on the Department’s recent study that found LNG exports would boost the U.S. economy under all scenarios considered.

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LNG World News Staff, August 12, 2013; Image: inhofe.senate.gov