WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) released the following statement in response to the Obama Administration’s joint statement with the European Union announcing their support for increased exports of U.S. liquefied natural gas (LNG) to Europe:
 
“After years of delay, I’m glad that the Administration is now expressing more support for exporting U.S. LNG to Europe. In addition to issuing positive statements, President Obama should direct his Department of Energy to immediately approve more of the 24 applications that are still pending. If they take action now, the Administration will increase our energy security and undermine Russia’s ability to use its energy to hold other countries hostage. There’s bipartisan support in Congress for exporting America’s natural gas and we would welcome the President’s leadership on this important issue.”

Background:

The joint US-EU Summit Joint Statement read in part:

“The situation in Ukraine proves the need to reinforce energy security in Europe and we are considering new collaborative efforts to achieve this goal. We welcome the prospect of U.S. LNG exports in the future since additional global supplies will benefit Europe and other strategic partners. We agree on the importance of redoubling transatlantic efforts to support European energy security to further diversify energy sources and suppliers and to allow for reverse natural gas flows to Ukraine from its EU neighbours.”
 
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