LNG export bill offers a compromise, Hoeven says

July 25, 2014
US Sen. John Hoeven (R-SD) introduced an LNG export bill that he said represents a compromise between measures introduced from both sides of the aisle. S. 2638 would give the US Department of Energy 45 days to make a national interest determination after an export project sponsor filed an application with the US Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Hoeven said on July 24.

US Sen. John Hoeven (R-ND) introduced an LNG export bill that he said represents a compromise between measures introduced from both sides of the aisle. S. 2638 would give the US Department of Energy 45 days to make a national interest determination after an export project sponsor filed an application with the US Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Hoeven said on July 24.

Hoeven, who is a member of the Energy and Natural Resources Committee, said the measure is a simple compromise between LNG export proposals Republicans and Democrats have offered because it keeps DOE in the process, but provides certainty by placing a reasonable timeline for it to make a decision. He said he would ask the committee for an immediate hearing on the proposal.

“This is simple, straightforward legislation that provides a set timeline for [DOE] to make decisions on LNG export permits,” the senator said. “It is a concrete solution to help us provide energy to our friends and allies. It will weaken [Russian President Vladimir V.] Putin’s energy leverage over Europe and encourage the European Union to stand with us on sanctions against Russia.”

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