WASHINGTON, November 15, 2013 – API Director of Upstream and Industry Operations Erik Milito welcomed today’s authorization by the Department of Energy for exports from the Quintana Island, Texas liquefied natural gas (LNG) facility and urged the agency to quickly process the remaining 21 applications:

“LNG exports will significantly reduce our trade deficit, grow the economy, and support thousands of U.S. jobs. The DOE has every reason to quickly approve these applications, and we’re pleased that they seem to be moving ahead. The shale revolution -- sparked by U.S. innovations in hydraulic fracturing -- has positioned America to play a leading role in the global energy trade, and we must work fast to secure a competitive position in the international market. We continue to urge Energy Secretary Moniz to oversee speedy review and approval of the remaining U.S. LNG export permit applications.”

Yesterday, API unveiled a new study demonstrating U.S. job gains and economic growth, across all states, associated with future exports of liquefied natural gas.

API is a national trade association that represents all segments of America’s technology-driven oil and natural gas industry. Its more than 550 members – including large integrated companies, exploration and production, refining, marketing, pipeline, and marine businesses, and service and supply firms – provide most of the nation’s energy and are backed by a growing grassroots movement of over 15 million Americans. The industry also supports 9.8 million U.S. jobs and 8 percent of the U.S. economy, delivers $85 million a day in revenue to our government, and, since 2000, has invested over $2 trillion in U.S. capital projects to advance all forms of energy, including alternatives.