API gathers experts to highlight global benefits of U.S. LNG exports

WASHINGTON - The American Petroleum Institute, along with the Center for LNG and LNG Allies hosted an event discussing the increasing role U.S. LNG exports play in the global energy mix and the global benefits of this transition, including emissions reductions, lifting people out of poverty, and increasing global security. Dr. Fatih Birol, executive director of the International Energy Association (IEA), Energy Secretary Rick Perry, and Senator Bill Cassidy (R-La.) will be delivering keynotes at the event.

“U.S. natural gas is meeting growing American energy needs, and at the same time, U.S. LNG exports are improving global conditions and reducing emissions by spreading the benefits of abundant energy to our allies around the world,” said API president and CEO Mike Sommers, adding API’s pleasure to be hosting the event with CLNG and LNG Allies. “LNG exports are encouraging coal-to-gas switching for power generation from China to Germany, which helps to drive lower emissions while simultaneously bringing affordable and reliable energy to areas which previously had none.”

“We are excited to partner with API and LNG Allies in today’s event to highlight the crucial role U.S. LNG is playing in reducing emissions and air pollution globally.  U.S. LNG exports are helping to provide jobs here at home and cleaner air abroad.” said CLNG executive director Charlie Riedl. “CLNG’s members are working hard to bring affordable, clean and abundant US natural gas to the rest of the world and we are excited about the future.”

“As detailed by the experts at today’s event, U.S. LNG exports have many global benefits. They lift millions of people out of poverty, improve air quality, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. They provide greater energy security for America’s allies, and create a more robust global natural gas market. And just as importantly, U.S. LNG exports are creating hundreds of thousands of new jobs here at home and adding billions to the U.S. economy,” said president & CEO of LNG Allies Fred H. Hutchison.

API is the only national trade association representing all facets of the natural gas and oil industry, which supports 10.3 million U.S. jobs and nearly 8 percent of the U.S. economy. API’s more than 600 members include large integrated companies, as well as exploration and production, refining, marketing, pipeline, marine businesses, and service and supply firms. They provide most of the nation’s energy and are backed by a growing grassroots movement of more than 47 million Americans. API was formed in 1919 as a standards-setting organization. In its first 100 years, API has developed more than 700 standards to enhance operational and environmental safety, efficiency and sustainability.

The Center for Liquefied Natural Gas (CLNG) advocates for public policies that advance the use of liquefied natural gas (LNG) and its export. A committee of the Natural Gas Supply Association (NGSA), CLNG represents the full LNG value chain, including LNG producers, shippers, terminal operators and developers, providing it with unique insight into the ways in which the vast potential of this abundant, clean and versatile resource can be fully realized.

A nonprofit membership organization, LNG Allies is the only independent trade association focused solely on advancing the interests of the U. S . LNG industry. We are a trusted voice in Washington, working to promote effective public policy before Congress, the executive branch, federal regulatory agencies, and the media.