Lujan Grisham Statement on LNG Permitting Certainty & Transparency Act

Today, Rep. Michelle Lujan Grisham (NM-01) released the following statement after voting in favor of H.R. 351, the LNG Permitting Certainty and Transparency Act. 

"Natural gas production is a vital part of the New Mexico economy and this legislation will allow us to export gas, which will create jobs and raise revenue so the state can invest in priorities like education," Rep. Lujan Grisham said. "The current backlog in applications to export natural gas is delaying growth that New Mexicans desperately need. My number one priority is improving New Mexico's economy and I am proud to do what I can in Washington to ensure our state's continued progress." 

Companies trying to export natural gas to non-free trade agreement countries are required to obtain several permits, including approval from the Department of Energy (DOE).  However, there is no timeline for DOE to make a decision on pending applications and more than two dozen applications have been waiting months for a final decision.  H.R. 351 will address the current backlog and require DOE to approve or deny an application within 30 days after important environmental protection analyses and construction permits have been completed.

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