Expediting the Permit Process for Exporting Natural Gas (H.R. 6)

What is H.R. 6?

(Updated March 12, 2015)

This bill deals with natural gas exports. The Department of Energy (DOE) regulates both the import and export of natural gas. The bill would require the DOE to issue a decision on any existing natural gas export application within 90 days of either the enactment date of the bill or the close of the comment period pertaining to the application, whichever is later. DOE currently gives priority and preferences to natural gas export applications related to countries with which the U.S. has entered into free trade agreements; this bill would extend those priorities and preferences all 159 countries that are members of the World Trade Organization. 

Argument in favor

Would benefit Europe, especially Ukraine, while aiding the American economy. Plenty of American natural gas to go around.

Argument opposed

Puts both the public and environment at risk. Increases fracking. Will not help the Ukraine but will hurt the U.S. economy.

Impact

The bill impacts the domestic natural gas industry and access to American-produced natural gas for WTO nations.

Cost of H.R. 6

The CBO estimates no significant impact to the federal budget.

Additional Info

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