WASHINGTON (May 29, 2014) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) today commended the Department of Energy for following his calls to further study the economic and other effects of large-scale exports of American natural gas. Senator Markey is the chairman of the Foreign Relations subcommittee that handles international energy issues, leads the U.S. Senate Climate Change Clearinghouse, and is a member of the Environment and Public Works, and Commerce Committees.

 

Senator Markey’s statement is below:

 

“America shouldn’t export first and ask questions later. This new push for more analysis by the Energy Department is a welcome development. That’s why I have repeatedly called on them to examine the impacts that these higher levels of exports could have on American consumers and businesses.

 

“The Department of Energy has already found that exporting 12 billion cubic feet of natural gas per day could increase domestic natural gas prices by more than 50 percent. Yet the Department of Energy has authorized more than twice that amount, through both pipelines and liquefied natural gas terminals, which is more natural gas than every home and business in America consumes.

 

“While these new studies and environmental reviews are ongoing, we should take this chance to hit the pause button on any new natural gas export approvals. Low-cost natural gas provides our nation with a national security and economic advantage that supports America’s manufacturers and consumers. We should not give away that advantage without full analysis and debate.”