Hill: Increasing U.S. Natural Gas Exports 'Benefits Consumers and Our National Security'

Congressman French Hill (AR-2) released the following statement today after the House passed the LNG Permitting Certainty and Transparency Act (H.R. 351) by a bipartisan vote of 277 -- 133:

"Today we took another step towards eliminating needless U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) delays to approving essential liquefied natural gas (LNG) export projects. Increasing U.S. LNG exports will benefit our allies by adding a new, reliable source of energy to the global market and boost Arkansas's economy through job creation, especially in engineering, manufacturing, and construction. It is time for America to lead the world in energy production and exports. I will continue to support legislation that boosts our goal of North American energy independence and benefits consumers and our national security interests."

H.R. 351 will help expedite the approval of U.S. LNG export projects by placing a 30-day deadline on DOE to issue a final decision on applications following the conclusion of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) environmental review of the LNG facilities. Reports have shown that exporting natural gas will create over 18,000 jobs in Arkansas and contribute over $3 billion to Arkansas's economy.

Source