WASHINGTON, D.C.— Today, U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-WY) delivered the following opening statement at the first Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee hearing of the year. The hearing is centered around bipartisan legislation Barrasso introduced with Senator Martin Heinrich (D-NM), the LNG Permitting Certainty and Transparency Act (S. 33), that will speed up the approval process for exports of liquefied natural gas (LNG) to countries which do not have free trade agreements with the United States.

Additionally, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the American Petroleum Institute issued letters of support for S. 33 in advance of today’s hearing.

Excerpts of Senator Barrasso’s remarks:

“Thank you very much Chairman Murkowski. Thank you for holding today’s hearing on liquefied natural gas export legislation.

“Two weeks ago, Senator Heinrich and I introduced S. 33—the LNG Permitting Certainty and Transparency Act.

“This bill would expedite the permitting process for LNG exports to countries which do not have free trade agreements with the United States.

“It would require the Secretary of Energy to make a final decision on an export application within 45 days after FERC completes the environmental review process.

“In addition, the bill would provide for expedited judicial review of legal challenges to LNG export projects.

“Finally, the bill requires exporters to publicly disclose the countries to which LNG is being delivered.

“Our bill ensures that the Secretary will make a timely decision on LNG export applications; and that legal challenges to LNG export projects will be resolved expeditiously.

“In short, our bill will give investors greater confidence that LNG export projects will be permitted and built.

“Our bill is carefully crafted and it’s a bipartisan compromise. It is cosponsored by five Democrats and five additional Republicans.

“It is nearly identical to the legislation that the House of Representatives passed yesterday with the support of 41 Democrats.

“Like its House companion, our bill offers Congress the best chance to do something meaningful for LNG exports.

“Study after study has shown that LNG exports will create good-paying jobs all across America. Good-paying jobs in states like Oregon, West Virginia, Colorado, New Mexico, and Wyoming. 

“LNG exports will also reduce our nation’s trade deficit which currently stands at $39 billion.

“They will even help President Obama fulfill his goal of doubling our nation’s exports which he set five years ago this week.

“Finally, LNG exports offer the United States a powerful means to bring about positive change throughout the world.

“LNG exports will help increase the energy security of key U.S. allies and partners throughout Europe and Asia.

“LNG exports will provide an alternative source of energy to countries which Russia has ruthlessly exploited.

“LNG exports will also give countries an alternative to energy from Iran.

“In conclusion, I’d like to thank Senator Heinrich for his leadership on this bill. He has been a great partner to work with.

“I would also like to thank Senators Gardner, Hoeven, Capito, and Portman—members of this Committee—as well as Senators Heitkamp, Kaine, Bennet, Udall, and Toomey.

“Finally, I would like to thank the witnesses for their willingness to testify here today.

“I look forward to your testimony.”

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