The Chairman of the subcommittee on Terrorism, Non-Proliferation and Trade (TNT), Mr. Ted Poe, held a congressional hearing on the issue of US LNG exports on April 25, 2013 in Washington DC.  The other key participants at the hearing included congressmen Brad Sherman, Alan Lowenthal, Randy Weber, and Joe Wilson and speakers Rob Bryngelson, David Montgomery, Michael Levi, and David Mallino and Michael Ratner.

Setting the agenda for the hearing, Congressman Poe acknowledged the significant potential for US LNG exports and laid specific emphasis on exports to India, a key strategic ally.  Lending a context to his viewpoint, he mentioned that every time he visited India, his counterparts asked him about US LNG exports and expressed a strong need for the same”.  Further, he referred to Ms. Nirupama Rao’s (Indian ambassador to US) statement in the Wall Street Journal regarding India’s keenness to import LNG from the US and thus reduce its crude oil imports.

Recognizing that US LNG exports to India and other allies would create US jobs, stimulate the economy, forge strong ties with India and preclude India’s dependence on the Iran gas pipeline project, Congressman Poe emphatically questioned “Why are we not exporting LNG to India”.  He urged the DOE to approve licenses of companies wanting to export LNG to non-FTA countries including India.  Congressman Poe’s views were unanimously endorsed by all the speakers who favorably testified about the viability of US LNG exports to allies such as India.  They stated that more the LNG exports greater would be the economic benefits to the US.

Hailing Congressman Poe’s support for US LNG exports to India, United States India Political Action Committee (USINPAC) Chairman, Mr. Sanjay Puri, said “LNG trade between US and India will enhance India’ energy security while spurring the US economy.  The deal will be a win-win situation for the two largest democracies in the world and significantly strengthen Indo-US economic and diplomatic ties.”