Charting A New Energy Future

Energy Overview:

I believe that Congress, the Administration, and the American people need to show leadership and dedication to moving our nation towards the expansion of and support for renewable energy sources that will reduce our dependence on foreign oil. To curb our dependence, I strongly believe that the United States must reduce its consumption of fossil fuels and move towards an energy future in which solar, wind, geothermal, and other renewable sources produce a greater percentage of our nation’s energy. However, it is clear that our transportation system will continue to use fossil fuels in the near future. Cleaner and cheaper than petroleum, I believe that natural gas should be a viable fueling option for American consumers and support the transition from petroleum to natural gas, as well as related development of fuel technology.

Serving as a member of the House Appropriations Committee has allowed me to ensure that important investments for the future of our country’s energy supply are supported. I will also continue to fight for the creation and implementation of a comprehensive energy strategy that will strengthen our nation and provide its citizens with policies that create wealth, encourage health, and protect and enhance our environment.

Liquefied Natural Gas:

In northeast Ohio we have made great advancements in both small and large manufactures by creating new jobs. With lower gas prices, we will be able to help fuel that increase in revival. Unfortunately, we still have too many people without good paying jobs and expanding the export market for natural gas gives us the opportunity to provide more employment. It is estimated that for every $1 billion in exports, up to 5,000 new jobs would be created (Center for Liquefied Natural Gas, which cites the U.S. International Trade Administration). Selling LNG to foreign nations has the potential for enormous effects, not only for the northeast Ohio economy, but all around the country. While I realize the concerns regarding the price of natural gas for American consumers, I am confident that increased production will maintain competitive prices for the American market

That is why I have cosponsored several pieces of legislation that would help expedite the approval process for liquefied natural gas exports:

Export American Natural Gas Act

This bipartisan bill would expedite the Department of Energy approval process for liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports. The “Export American Natural Gas Act of 2015” requires a 60 day deadline for Department of Energy (DOE) to make a decision to either approve or deny applications. If the DOE does not meet the 60 day deadline, the applications would automatically be approved.

American Job Creation and Strategic Alliances LNG Act

This legislation would advance the application and approval process for the import or export of natural gas to a World Trade Organization member nation.

LNG Permitting Certainty and Transparency Act

This bill codifies the policy change that the Department of Energy voluntarily made last year to expedite the approval process of LNG export facilities that have favorably completed the required Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). The longer we delay the approval of expanded exports, the more we risk losing our competitive and technological advantage over other natural gas-producing countries.