UPDATE: Subcommittee to review US exports

The Subcommittee on Energy and Power, chaired by Rep. Ed Whitfield (R-KY), has scheduled a hearing for Tuesday, March 25, 2014, to review H.R. 6, the Domestic Prosperity and Global Freedom Act.

Responding to Russia’s recent actions in the Crimea region and the US Department of Energy’s (DOE) slow export approval process, Rep. Cory Gardner (R-CO) introduced H.R. 6 to expedite exports of US liquefied natural gas (LNG) to its allies.

If passed, the legislation would grant immediate approval of complete export applications currently filed with the DOE, ensuring that exports to allies get underway without unnecessary delays.

The subcommittee will hear testimony from former member of Congress and Chairman of the Appellate Body of the World Trade Organization, James Bacchus, Hungarian Ambassador-at-Large for Energy Security, Anita Orban, and NERA Economic Consulting Senior Vice President Dr. David Montgomery. Additional witnesses are yet to be announced.

Exports to allies

Speaking on Monday, Mr. Gardner said that US President Barack Obama’s pledge to provide “unwavering support for Ukraine” should extend to the proliferation of US exports of natural gas to its allies. Support, Gardner said, should “include unlocking US natural gas supplies to help free Ukraine and other European nations from Russia’s influence”.

Legislation

Gardner called for the imposition of more sanctions on Russia and stressed the need to activate exports in order to alleviate Russia’s energy grip on Europe. “This legislation will provide a safe and secure energy source abroad while delivering economic growth and job creation here at home,” he added.

Additional hearing details, the Majority Memorandum, a witness list, and witness testimony will be available here as they are posted.

Adapted from press release by Ted Monroe

Read the article online at: https://www.lngindustry.com/lng-shipping/18032014/update_us_exports_to_be_reviewed_by_the_subcommittee_on_energy_and_power/