WASHINGTON, January 28, 2015 ─ API applauded today’s passage in the House of bipartisan legislation to fast-track exports of liquefied natural gas (LNG).

“Today’s strong vote, to be followed by a Senate hearing Thursday, shows that lawmakers are working fast to secure America’s competitiveness as an energy superpower,” said API Director of Upstream and Industry Operations Erik Milito. “This is a top priority for the new Congress because LNG exports represent a clear-cut, bipartisan opportunity to increase domestic energy production, create more American jobs, and protect the security of the U.S. and its allies.

“As the president noted in his State of the Union, America is number one in oil and natural gas production, and every major study -- including a recent report from the Department of Energy – shows that LNG exports will accelerate U.S. economic growth. We’re optimistic that House and Senate leaders will be able to quickly come together behind legislation that will benefit the U.S. while helping bolster our allies abroad.”

API is the only national trade association representing all facets of the oil and natural gas industry, which supports 9.8 million U.S. jobs and 8 percent of the U.S. economy. API’s more than 625 members include large integrated companies, as well as exploration and production, refining, marketing, pipeline, and 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 25 million Americans.