Conflicts overseas have made it abundantly clear how critical domestic energy production is — not just for our own independence and security at home, but for global security and political stability as well.
Pennsylvania is the United States’ second-largest producer of natural gas behind only Texas. With our vast resources and critical energy infrastructure, along with a skilled work force and prime location in the eastern U.S., our commonwealth is positioned perfectly to lead. And we are.
Pennsylvania’s bipartisan Philadelphia LNG Export Task Force, chaired by Rep. Martina White (R-Philadelphia), held its last meeting Nov. 1 and adopted a final report on the best and safest way to increase the export of LNG. (Read the full report here).
Liquified natural gas (LNG) is natural gas that has been cooled to a liquid state for shipping and storage. LNG is a way to move natural gas long distances when pipeline transport is not feasible — like overseas, where our allies are more reliant on energy supplies from despots who make the world less secure.
An LNG export terminal in Philadelphia would create thousands of good-paying union jobs, reassert Pennsylvania’s leadership on the world stage, and increase the global supply of clean-burning, affordable, abundant, reliable energy.
Among the recommendations in the final report, as highlighted by White:
- Support the current skilled labor workforce while promoting educational opportunities with industry and schools in the Greater Philadelphia area and surrounding communities.
- Streamline and improve Pennsylvania’s permitting process to attract investments while ensuring regulatory considerations.
- Urge Congress to modernize the Jones Act to facilitate the transport of LNG between U.S. ports.
The task force report is only the beginning. But every journey begins with a first step, and this one could take Pennsylvania’s energy resources around the globe.
The Philadelphia LNG Export Task Force is comprised of a bipartisan, bicameral group of members of the General Assembly, representatives of the natural gas industry, organized labor, the Port of Philadelphia, Philadelphia Gas Works, the Mayor of Philadelphia and members of the governor’s administration.