Citing Unrest in Ukraine, Udall Introduces Bill to Expand Natural Gas Exports, Strengthen Global Security

Press Release

Mark Udall, a senior member of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, introduced legislation today to expand the ability of energy firms to export liquefied natural gas to more countries around the world. Expanding these exports to countries like Ukraine will create new markets for Colorado's plentiful natural gas reserves and drive job creation across the state.

Currently liquefied natural gas can only be exported to countries with which the United State has certain trade agreements or through agreements approved by a lengthy U.S. Department of Energy approval process. Udall's common-sense and bipartisan bill would expand energy firms' access to World Trade Organization countries like Ukraine, Japan and India.

"Colorado and our nation's clean-burning and job-creating natural gas has an important role to play in strengthening global security. The ongoing crisis in Ukraine -- and Russia's threat to use its natural gas exports as a cudgel there -- shows why we need to responsibly develop our natural gas reserves and expand our ability to export this resource abroad," Udall said. "This common-sense bill will strengthen our economy at home and help Colorado companies and small businesses across America bolster our presence abroad."

Udall has been a strong supporter of developing Colorado's clean-burning and job-creating natural gas resources. Earlier this week, Udall said the crisis in Ukraine underscores the urgent need for the U.S. Energy Department to expedite its approval of additional liquefied natural gas terminals.

Udall also has supported the Grand Junction Economic Partnership's effort to study the effect liquefied natural gas exports could have on the West Slope's economy. Udall also has made natural gas development a cornerstone of his ongoing statewide energy tour, including visiting a DCP Midstream facility in Weld County.

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