03.24.14

Hoeven: DOE Approval of LNG Export Proposal a Step in the Right Direction

DIRECTION Senator Pushing for Expedited Review of U.S. Natural Gas Export Applications in Response to Situation in Ukraine

WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven (R-ND) today issued the following statement in response to the Department of Energy’s approval of an application to export liquefied natural gas from the Jordan Cove Energy Project terminal:

“The Energy Department’s approval of this application for exporting natural gas is a step in the right direction. However, there are still more than 20 pending applications that should be reviewed expeditiously. In light of the current situation in Ukraine, the Administration should move quickly on these applications to help counteract Russia’s influence over Ukraine and the European Union.”

Last week, Senators Hoeven and Mark R. Warner (D-VA) announced a bipartisan effort to respond to the situation in Ukraine by expediting the U.S. review of natural gas export licenses, and providing targeted assistance to help Ukraine improve its current energy productivity while also developing its own domestic energy technology.

Additionally, the senators urged President Obama to use the U.S.-European Union summit in Brussels to lead a joint U.S.-E.U. initiative on energy security to counter Russian President Vladimir Putin’s energy influence on Ukraine and other European nations. About 53 percent of Russian gas exports to Europe pass through Ukraine, and Europe depends on Russia for 30 percent of its natural gas.