Griffin Votes to Streamline Approval Process for Critical Energy Projects

Press Release

Congressman Tim Griffin (AR-02) issued the following statement today after the House passed two bills this week to streamline the approval process for cross-border energy infrastructure projects and expedite U.S. liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports:

"Approving key energy infrastructure projects and increasing natural gas exports will strengthen our nation's energy security, expand our economy and grow American jobs. Yet, this Administration continues to delay important energy initiatives that will benefit our nation and support our current energy boom. These bills standardize the approval process for cross-border energy projects to encourage investment in America's infrastructure and assist trade with our allies, while also expediting natural gas exports to boost our economy. Reports have shown that exporting natural gas will support thousands of jobs in Arkansas, and I'm proud to support these pro-energy, pro-growth bills."

The North American Energy Infrastructure Act (H.R. 3301) is a bipartisan bill that modernizes the approval process for cross-border oil and natural gas pipelines as well as electric transmission lines. H.R. 3301 passed the House on June 24, 2014 by a vote of 238-173. For more information on the bill, click here.

The Domestic Prosperity and Global Freedom Act (H.R. 6) will expedite exports of U.S. liquefied natural gas (LNG) to our allies by requiring the Department of Energy (DOE) to make a decision on applications to export natural gas within a given timeframe. According to reports, exporting natural gas will create 18,285 jobs by 2035 in Arkansas. H.R. 6 passed the House on June 25, 2014 by a vote of 226-150.

Source