WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), today released a statement following the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee passage of the Small Scale LNG Access Act and the Launching Energy Advancement and Development through Innovations for Natural Gas (LEADING) Act, two pieces of legislation introduced by Dr. Cassidy.
“The Small Scale LNG Access Act unleashes the potential of American natural gas, creating good-paying jobs for hardworking families in Louisiana,” said Dr. Cassidy. “To further American dominance in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, the LEADING Act invests in innovative technology which will lower our carbon footprint. The passage of my proposals shows the United States is leading by example.”
“I thank my colleagues on the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee for marking up and passing this important bill to expedite approval of small-scale natural gas exports, strengthen an emerging sector of Florida’s economy, and bolster our existing ties with Caribbean and Latin American nations,” said Senator Rubio, who cosponsored the Small Scale LNG Access Act. “As nefarious actors, including the criminal regimes in Venezuela and Cuba, continue to undermine democracy and commit human rights atrocities in the region, we must ensure they cannot benefit from expedited access to American energy exports.”
“Louisiana already leads the world in large-scale LNG exports. Entering the market to export small-scale LNG shipments will lead to even more well-paying jobs for Louisiana workers,” said Senator Kennedy, who cosponsored the Small Scale LNG Access Act. “This bill is about creating opportunities for our families in an industry with limitless potential.”
The Small Scale LNG Access Act expedites the approval of natural gas exports equal to or less than 51.1 billion cubic feet per year. These small-scale exports would be deemed consistent with the public interest and granted without modification or delay. The current permitting process for LNG export facilities is expensive, and small-scale projects often are not cost effective under current conditions. Reducing the time and investment required for small-scale exports will benefit U.S. production, manufacturing, and construction jobs while also reducing trade deficits with the importing country. Increasing LNG exports, even on a small scale, will positively impact the economies of the United States as well as the economies of those receiving U.S. natural gas.
The LEADING Act incentivizes research and development of carbon capture technology for natural gas to ensure a reliable, affordable, and environmentally sound energy supply. It promotes the continued use of natural gas so we can keep energy bills low, maintain U.S. energy security, and protect the environment all at the same time.
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