Congressman Fleming Joins Natural Gas Caucus' Official Launch; Hearing On "State Of U.S. Natural Gas Today"

Press Release

Congressman John Fleming joined fellow House Members today to officially launch the House Natural Gas Caucus at a hearing to discuss the "State of U.S. Natural Gas Today."

Today's hearing included testimony from several leading industry experts, business officials, and legislators -- each with a unique focus on one or more aspects of the natural gas industry, the benefits of natural gas, and recent legislation introduced to enhance it's place in our domestic energy industry.

"Natural gas plays an integral part in our everyday lives: it heats our homes, powers our factories, keeps our lights on and brings food to our tables through its use in agriculture. Maintaining a consistent, affordable supply is fundamental in creating new jobs and strengthening the economy," said Fleming.

"The 4th District of Louisiana sits on potentially the largest natural gas play in the country -- The Haynesville Shale. Recent estimates have projected the Haynesville Shale contains 234 trillion cubic feet of natural gas production potential - the equivalent of 18 years worth of U.S. oil production," continued Fleming. "In 2008 alone, the Haynesville Shale created over 32,000 jobs and pumped billions of dollars into Louisiana's economy. We must continue to develop oil and natural gas plays like the Haynesville Shale, while ensuring Congress recognizes what an important role these resources will play in this country's long-term economic and national security."

"I applaud Congressman Fleming and the members of the House Natural Gas Caucus for promoting the use of natural gas to achieve greater energy independence for America. I look forward to working with them on expanding the many uses of this American resource. We've got to get off foreign oil, and the only immediately available transportation fuel that can replace it is natural gas," said T. Boone Pickens.

The Congressional Natural Gas Caucus was formed as a bipartisan effort to promote awareness of an abundant, low emission energy source. The caucus consists of members of Congress dedicated to championing the use of clean, plentiful, domestic natural gas. They are committed to informing and educating Members of Congress, and the American people about the clean-burning domestic fuel. By promoting the use of natural gas, America will benefit from cleaner modes of transportation and energy generation, creating a cleaner environment and millions of new American jobs. The Caucus will be focused on discovering environmentally-friendly ways to produce natural gas and explore the ways natural gas can help meet the country's energy needs while leading us towards an independent energy future.

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