U.S. Senate hearing on LNG export, Riverkeeper submits testimony
Columbia Riverkeeper and allies submitted written testimony to the November 8, 2011 Senate Energy and Natural Resources hearing on LNG export. Our comments stated:
By choosing to export domestic gas, the United States will:
Ship huge volumes of U.S. gas to foreign nations. One Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) tanker can carry away 8.8% of the U.S. daily gas consumption with each shipment.
Raise energy prices for every American. The U.S. Department of Energy estimated that export from just one Gulf Coast LNG terminal would raise gas prices at Henry Hub in Louisiana by up to 11.6%.
Undercut U.S. energy independence. While we import expensive OPEC oil, gas companies will make billions sending inexpensive natural gas overseas.
Condemn land for LNG export. Shockingly, pipelines for LNG export have the power of eminent domain to take private farms and forest lands. Gas companies could condemn private land to send gas overseas, with no public need.
Increase fracking. Exporting LNG will raise the price of gas, which will make gas companies more aggressive in fracking gas.
Oregon is faced with two LNG export terminals – Jordan Cove in Coos Bay and Oregon LNG in Warrenton. Export terminals will not only harm our river, farms, and forests with destructive pipelines, but sending U.S. gas to Asia will raise American prices for the benefit of gas companies.
