Approval of LNG Exports Means More Money for Big Oil and Gas, More Fracking In U.S.

Statement of Food & Water Watch Executive Director, Wenonah Hauter

Washington, D.C. – “On Wednesday, the U.S. House’s Energy and Commerce Committee’s Subcommittee on Energy and Power voted in favor of a bill to export liquefied natural gas (LNG) abroad under the guise of aiding Ukraine. But this bill, H.R.6, would only serve to increase profits for the oil and gas industry, greatly accelerating fracking here at home, endangering American communities, public health and the climate. We strongly recommend that both houses of Congress reject any and all plans to export LNG overseas.

“Selling LNG abroad will drive up the industry’s profit margins, ultimately increasing gas prices here in the U.S.. Ramping up fracking in the U.S., a requirement for meeting export demands, will only lead to more water contamination, more dangerous explosions and pipeline bursts and more methane emissions that will exacerbate global climate change.

“The illogical nature of the subcommittee’s vote to expedite LNG export approvals because of the tensions between Russia and Ukraine is made evident by the fact that the United States will not have the infrastructure to support the proposed volumes of LNG exports until at least 2016. Moreover, once export facilities are built, U.S. fracked gas will likely go to Asia where the industry can fetch the highest prices.

“It is obvious that oil and gas industry and top energy officials have been using the crisis in Ukraine to slip their agenda through Congress, and some members of Congress have bought in. But the truth is, natural gas should not be used as a geopolitical bargaining chip and the health and safety of our communities at home are too precious to be gambled with.”

April 9, 2014
http://www.foodandwaterwatch.org/pressreleases/house-subcommittees-approval-of-lng-exports-means-more-money-for-big-oil-and-gas-more-fracking-in-u-s-communities/


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