Olson Applauds DOE Approval of Freeport

Statement

Rep. Pete Olson (TX-22) issued the following statement regarding the decision by the Department of Energy (DOE) to conditionally approve Freeport LNG Expansion L.P. and FLNG Liquefaction, LLC to export liquefied natural gas (LNG) to countries with which trade is allowed, but do not have a Free Trade Agreement with the United States. Freeport's facility is based on Quintana Island, Texas between the mouth of the Old Brazos and New Brazos Rivers. The project could be operational by 2017.

"I am pleased with DOE's decision to approve the export facility at Freeport, which will enable the U.S. to take advantage of the foreign demand for U.S. natural gas. More and more, we are discovering massive reserves of natural gas in the U.S., and we should take full advantage of this boom to expand our economy.

"The Freeport terminal links us to markets for our excess supply, helping improve our balance of trade and helping improve our national security by becoming a dependable supplier to our key allies. Freeport's facility will create jobs on the Texas Coast and will likely bring millions in new tax revenue to Brazoria County and our state. Additional approvals are needed, including environmental and safety approvals, which are already underway. We hope these other approvals are granted in the coming months to allow construction of this key project that will greatly benefit America's global standing."

Source