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The shale gas revolution has allowed the State of Texas – and our nation – to achieve a level of unprecedented energy independence. With the expansion of liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports – an abundant and clean energy resource, our country stands to achieve substantial economic opportunities, while more than meeting our need for energy both at home and abroad.

LNG, the same natural gas used by more than 65 million Americans to heat their homes this winter, is natural gas converted to a liquid state in order to be safely and efficiently transported. LNG facilities, have been operated safely for more than 50 years, with an environmentally- and economically-sound record that remains the envy of other transporters of petroleum products.

In the early months of 2013, ICF International, a global professional services firm, conducted a nonpartisan study to determine the economic impact of LNG on our nation’s economy and its effect in driving economic development in exporting communities. ICF’s study revealed that the LNG export industry could bring up to 155,000 jobs to the State of Texas by 2035, injecting tens of billions of
dollars into our economy while enhancing the local tax base that funds schools, parks and other valuable public works and services in our communities.

But LNG export terminals are long-term ventures requiring significant capital investments. In recent years, only five LNG export facilities have been approved or commenced the pre-filing process with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), representing a combined capital investment that could exceed $40 billion. Clearly, this is a great opportunity for Texas.