Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee Chairman Ron Wyden issued the following statement in response to the Department of Energy’s approval of a fifth liquefied natural gas export permit, an expansion of the facility in Quintana Island, Texas:

"DOE has now conditionally approved liquefied natural gas exports that are far above what was considered possible just a few years ago. The agency must clearly demonstrate with each approval that it is using the most recent data about U.S. natural gas demand and production. It is imperative these potential exports not have a significant impact on domestic prices for families and manufacturers, and in turn harm America's energy security, growth and employment.

I continue to be encouraged that the Energy Department is proceeding in a deliberative manner, and considering these applications on a case-by-case basis. It is also heartening that natural gas prices have remained stable in response to the conditional approvals to date. Should that change or should new information become available, it would be necessary and appropriate for DOE to re-evaluate its decision making process and the data being used to inform it.”