Rep. Mike Turner (R-Ohio) reintroduced legislation in the House today to continue his support for increasing U.S. exports of liquefied natural gas (LNG).
Turner’s bill, the American Job Creation and Strategic Alliances LNG Act, is supported by leaders of both parties. The bill is designed to streamline the Department of Energy’s regulatory process to export natural gas from the United States to World Trade Organization countries.
“This legislation is an opportunity for the United States to demonstrate international leadership, establish an active presence in the global energy market, and simultaneously retain huge and immediate economic benefits here at home,” Turner said.
Turner has established himself as a leader on the issue of exporting natural gas in recent years and originally introduced the bill last March.
“Over the last year, it has become clear through (Russian President Vladimir) Putin’s actions that Russia will continue to use its energy resource dominance as a geopolitical weapon against our European allies,” Turner said. “Putin’s functional monopoly on natural gas exports in Europe has left our allies vulnerable and without options, posing a direct threat to their security and independence.”
The act calls for lifting the self-imposed restrictions on U.S. natural gas exports, and would provide U.S. allies with an alternative source of energy.
“Immediately, the United States would provide our allies with assurance, greater choice and more opportunities to negotiate prices,” Turner said.