The House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Energy and Power will hold a hearing on March 25 on legislation introduced by Rep. Cory Gardner (R-Colo.) that would hasten approval of U.S. liquefied natural gas exports.
The Domestic Prosperity and Global Freedom Act would grant immediate approval of export applications that are currently filed with the Department of Energy. The measure would also modify the export approval process moving forward to ensure that Ukraine and other European countries don’t experience disruptions in LNG supply from Russia.
“President Obama said (on Monday) that ‘we’re going to stand firm in our unwavering support for Ukraine,'” Gardner said. “That should include unlocking U.S. natural gas supplies to help free Ukraine and other European nations from Russia’s influence. It is going to take more than sanctions to stand up to (Russian President Vladimir Putin), and taking action on exports would weaken his grip by sending a clear signal to our allies that they no longer have to be at the mercy of Russian energy supplies. This legislation will provide a safe and secure energy source abroad while delivering economic growth and job creation here at home.”
Russia is the largest exporter of natural gas in the world and supplies European nations using pipelines that run through Ukraine.
House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Rep. Fred Upton (R-Mich.) said earlier this month that the situation in Ukraine underscores problems with the DoE’s slow approval process for LNG exports.
“Passing this legislation sends the clear signal that America intends to take full advantage of our energy resources, developing them not only for our own use, but to ensure the lifeline of U.S. gas supplies will be available to our allies, and that we will stand firm to Putin and supplant Russia’s influence,” Upton said.