Plans to export US natural gas stir debate

[I AM NOT THAT GUY 5,715]

WASHINGTON (AP) A domestic natural gas boom already has lowered U.S. energy prices while stoking fears of environmental disaster. Now U.S. producers are poised to ship vast quantities of gas overseas as energy companies seek permits for proposed export projects that could set off a renewed frenzy of fracking.

Expanded drilling is unlocking enormous reserves of crude oil and natural gas, offering the potential of moving the country closer to its decades-long quest for energy independence. Yet as the industry looks to profit from foreign markets, there is the specter of higher prices at home and increased manufacturing costs for products from plastics to fertilizers.

Companies such as Exxon Mobil and Sempra Energy are seeking federal permits for more than 20 export projects that could handle as much as 29 billion cubic feet of natural gas a day.

If approved, the resulting export boom could lead to further increases in hydraulic fracturing, a drilling technique also known as fracking. It has allowed companies to gain access to huge stores of natural gas underneath states from Colorado to New York, but raised widespread concerns about alleged groundwater contamination and even earthquakes.

The drilling boom has helped boost U.S. natural gas production by one-third since 2005, with production reaching an all-time high of 25.3 trillion cubic feet last year, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.

In recent months, however, production has begun to level off as the glut of natural gas keeps U.S. prices down. In response, producers have begun pushing to export the fuel to Europe and Asia, where prices are far higher.

Approval of all the projects currently under review by the Energy Department could result in the export of more than 40 percent of current U.S. production of liquefied natural gas, or LNG, which is gas that's been converted to liquid form to make it easier to store or transport.

The prospect of a major expansion of U.S. gas exports has tantalized business groups and lawmakers from both parties, and they're urging the Obama administration to move faster to approve the projects as a way to create thousands of jobs and spur economic growth. Increased exports also would help offset the nation's enormous trade deficit.

But consumer groups and some manufacturers that use natural gas oppose expanded exports, saying they could drive up domestic prices and make manufacturing more expensive. Many environmental groups also oppose LNG exports because of fears that increased drilling could lead to environmental damage.

http://xfinity.comcast.net/articles/news-politics/20130512/US-Natural-Gas-Exports/

[Darnell 8,479]

why not just sell it here, in CONUS ?

[Hilarious Clinton 452]

why not just sell it here, in CONUS ?

Because liberals hate energy. Unless it powers their infernal internal combustion machine, laptop, AC etcetera.

[Mr. Big Dog 10,747]

why not just sell it here, in CONUS ?

Because liberals hate energy. Unless it powers their infernal internal combustion machine, laptop, AC etcetera.

No, genius. Because there's too much supply relative to demand in the continental US. THAT is why producers want to export it and not just sell it here. Not because liberals hate energy. And guess what happens when the export routes are cleared? Yes, prices will go up no matter how much we drill and frack right here at home. That's what this is about - raising natural gas prices. Sucks when you can't read, doesn't it?

[Teddy B 17,252]

No, genius. Because there's too much supply relative to demand in the continental US. THAT is why producers want to export it and not just sell it here. Not because liberals hate energy. And guess what happens when the export routes are cleared? Yes, prices will go up no matter how much we drill and frack right here at home. That's what this is about - raising natural gas prices. Sucks when you can't read, doesn't it?

Sounds like someone hasn't had their bacon this morn.

[Mr. Big Dog 10,747]

Sounds like someone hasn't had their bacon this morn.

Does it show?

[Teddy B 17,252]

Does it show?

Here you go Mr. Big Dog.

[Darnell 8,479]

oh, yes, I'm stupid - I had some hope if cheaper natural gas,

then cheaper electricity,

then cheaper cogs for manufacturers of stuff in usa.

is ok - screw the price drops, those next-quarter profits must be big !

[JohnR! 5,495]

Because liberals hate energy. Unless it powers their infernal internal combustion machine, laptop, AC etcetera.

So long as there are those willing to pay more for the energy we produce in the US, the free market will dictate that we will pay more as well. You do understand how the free market works, correct?

The irony in all this is that the conservative geniuses sold the populace the notion that energy independence would translate into cheaper energy in the use, ignoring the free market completely and conveniently. Unless of course, they propose the notion the US should nationalize its energy resources, follwing in the footsteps of Venezuela...

Edited May 13, 2013 by Gegel

[Mr. Big Dog 10,747]

oh, yes, I'm stupid - I had some hope if cheaper natural gas,

then cheaper electricity,

then cheaper cogs for manufacturers of stuff in usa.

is ok - screw the price drops, those next-quarter profits must be big !

At least for the fossil fuel producers. Most everyone else will have challenges with their bottom lines because of higher energy prices. But Exxon and BP will do well.

[Hilarious Clinton 452]

So long as there are those willing to pay more for the energy we produce in the US, the free market will dictate that we will pay more as well. You do understand how the free market works, correct?

The irony in all this is that the conservative geniuses sold the populace the notion that energy independence would translate into cheaper energy in the use, ignoring the free market completely and conveniently. Unless of course, they propose the notion the US should nationalize its energy resources, follwing in the footsteps of Venezuela...

Liberals hate energy used by anyone other than themselves. Any Questions?

[GandD 5,966]

Liberals hate energy used by anyone other than themselves. Any Questions?

Why would anyone hate energy? If I go car shopping and don't like every car in the lot does that mean I hate cars? Sometimes............ I just don't know about you guys. Besides I'm pretty sure the right owns the patent for hate.