Debate on LNG exports to respond to Russian aggression postponed

Fuel Fix:

Natural gas export boosters have seized on the Ukraine crisis to leverage plans to accelerate U.S. government approvals to sell more of the fossil fuel overseas.

But now that the Senate is tackling a $1 billion Ukraine aid package, the zeal to act immediately is cooling. Both Republican and Democratic senators agreed Tuesday to delay potentially heated fights over the issue until after the chamber finishes work on the aid bill.

The discussion took place behind closed doors, as Republican and Democratic caucuses deliberated over their strategy on the measure. Some GOP lawmakers went into the meeting insisting on amendments that aim to accelerate liquefied natural gas exports and, separately, undo International Monetary Fund provisions in the legislation.

Related story: Natural gas exports get scrutiny on Capitol Hill

Democratic leaders said they would drop the controversial IMF provisions in the name of moving the Ukraine aid package more swiftly. And Republicans said that, because they wanted the legislation passed this week, they would not spend time forcing debates on other amendments, including natural gas plans.

“Obviously, you want to get moving on the Ukraine (measure), on the sanctions aspect of what we’re dealing with with Russia,” said Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, heading into the GOP caucus meeting. “LNG is part of that. But if it’s going to hold things up, I think we need to be looking critically at that.”

Sen. John Barrasso, R-Wyo., wants the chamber to consider his proposal to export natural gas to members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization nearly automatic. The Senate Foreign Relations Committee blocked his LNG plan from being added to the Ukraine measure earlier this month.
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I have yet to hear a compelling argument against rushing eh exports.  It is a wise and obvious strategic response to the grip Russia has on Europe energy that only the anti energy left would oppose.  It would be a win win deal for the US economy and for Europe.  It would hurt the Russian economy and thus their expansionist agenda.  I like the Barrasso proposal.  There is another proposal to allow the export to World Trade Organization members.  That should be considered later, while the NATO option goes into effect immediately.