WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Mary L. Landrieu, D-La., chair of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, welcomed the Department of Energy’s decision today to streamline the permit approval process for liquefied natural gas export facilities.

“Today’s decision by the Department of Energy to streamline the permit approval process is a positive step forward to responsibly export America's abundant supply of natural gas. Increasing our natural gas exports will create tens of thousands of high-paying jobs here at home, position America as an energy superpower and boost the energy security of America and its allies,” Sen. Landrieu said. “The studies show and I believe that we can do this while still maintaining a cheap, abundant supply of natural gas at home necessary to fuel America’s manufacturing renaissance. However, I am also encouraged that DOE will initiate an updated economic study to ensure the domestic price of natural gas stays affordable for consumers.”

Today’s decision follows Sen. Landrieu’s call in March for the Department of Energy to streamline the approval process for LNG export permits.