Republican senators urge more timely approval of LNG export applications

U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), along with several other Republican senators, is urging the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to approve pending liquefied natural gas (LNG) export project applications in a more timely manner.

In a letter to FERC Chairman Kevin McIntyre, Murkowski and the other senators also sought information on FERC’s approval process as well as the agency’s available resources. The request stems from testimony McIntyre provided before the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee in June.

“During the hearing, you received several questions about the status and timing of LNG export project applications currently before the Commission,” the letter stated. “We were encouraged by your statements regarding the need for timely processing of pending LNG export applications. However, we would like clarification concerning FERC’s current efforts to address resource constraints.”

The letter references the fact that McIntyre mentioned a number of large, more complex, and more expensive LNG applications pending before the agency. He also indicated that FERC is looking for creative new ways to attack this increased workload and streamline the workflow going forward.

The letter outlines several follow up questions from the senators regarding such issues as the steps FERC is taking to make sure that there are sufficient workforce resources as well as to “streamline internal processes” concerning LNG export project applications. In the letter, the senators also asked how FERC plans to work with other state and federal agencies to make sure their processes are streamlined and constructive.

In addition to Murkowski, the letter was signed by Sens. Bill Cassidy (R-LA), John Barrasso (R-WY), John Kennedy (R-LA), Ted Cruz (R-TX), Cory Gardner (R-CO), James Inhofe (R-OK), and James Risch (R-ID).