API urges rapid approval for LNG export applications

WASHINGTON, May 29, 2014 ─ API Director of Upstream and Industry Operations Erik Milito urged faster action after the Department of Energy announced new procedures to process over 20 applications to export liquefied natural gas (LNG).

“Bipartisan support for natural gas exports is stronger than ever, and the Department of Energy’s latest efforts are an important signal that those voices are being heard,” said Milito. “According to the latest polls, 70 percent of registered voters agree that exporting natural gas helps create American jobs, and 67 percent understand that exporting natural gas is good for the U.S. economy. Already, members of both the House and Senate are working to harness these benefits and lower our trade deficit. It remains to be seen whether the new guidelines will improve the current process, but there’s no doubt that the system today is too slow. The economic and environmental benefits of LNG exports are well-established by numerous studies and reports, and the time for review is past. We’ll continue to work with the administration and Congress to move the process forward and lock down America’s trade advantage as the world’s leading producer of natural gas.”

API is the only national trade association representing all facets of the oil and natural gas industry, which supports 9.8 million U.S. jobs and 8 percent of the U.S. economy. API’s more than 600 members include large integrated companies, as well as exploration and production, refining, marketing, pipeline, and marine businesses, and service and supply firms. They provide most of the nation’s energy and are backed by a growing grassroots movement of more than 20 million Americans.