03.06.15

Sullivan Stresses Need for Export License for Alaska LNG Project with Dept. of Energy Secretary Moniz

WASHINGTON, DC – In an effort to seek rapid processing of the pending non-Free Trade Agreement export license application submitted by the Alaska LNG Project LCC in July 2014, Senator Dan Sullivan (R-AK) recently wrote Secretary of Energy Ernest Moniz and held a follow up meeting in his office to stress the need for the Energy Department to move forward on this critical infrastructure project.

Senator Sullivan noted that in his previous roles as Alaska Commissioner of the Department of Natural Resources and Attorney General:

In previous meetings with senior Obama Administration advisors and Department of Energy officials, I received assurances that, given some of the unique characteristics defined below, the application of AK LNG would receive rapid and favorable treatment once stakeholders applied for permitting.

Citing the obvious and numerous economic benefits the project would bring to Alaska, Senator Sullivan wrote:

As you know, the project is a great opportunity to not only fuel our country’s own need for cleaner energy, but tap into the demand of an ever growing Asia-Pacific consumer market.  Given the overwhelming economic benefits this project would bring to Alaska and the nation, it is instrumental in fully unleashing America’s vast energy potential.

Senator Sullivan concluded by asking Secretary Moniz to swiftly rule on the Alaska LNG non FTA export license:

Last summer, when visiting Alaska, you indicated that a rapid processing of the AK LNG permit application would ensue as soon as the public comment period closed.  Given that we are now a month into 2015 and with no credible or significant public opposition, I ask for your swift decision on this matter so we can move this critical infrastructure project forward.

In a recent follow up meeting with Senator Sullivan, Secretary Moniz continued to identify Alaska LNG as different than lower 48 projects and gave assurances that the agency is working diligently on the non-FTA portion of the export license.

“After meeting with the Secretary, I’m confident that he will be approving the export license for AK LNG in the near future,” said Sen. Sullivan.

 

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