Philly Leader

Pennsylvania's Philadelphia LNG Export Task Force, chaired by Representative Martina White, has concluded its final meeting and adopted a report on strategies to increase liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports. The task force, which is bipartisan and includes members from various sectors, aims to leverage Pennsylvania's natural gas resources for economic growth and global energy demands.

White highlighted the economic benefits of LNG exports: "Our abundant natural gas resources not only fuel economic growth within the Commonwealth but also offer us a unique opportunity to meet growing energy demand across the globe, while creating tens of thousands of jobs and generating billions of dollars in yearly economic activity that can benefit communities in the Southeast region."

The report recommends several actions: supporting workforce development through educational partnerships, streamlining permitting processes to attract investment, and modernizing legislation like the Jones Act for efficient LNG transport between U.S. ports.

Stephanie Catarino Wissman from the American Petroleum Institute Pennsylvania commended the task force's efforts under White's leadership. She noted that implementing these recommendations could lead to significant investments and job creation: "Advancing the recommendations outlined in the report...is critical to developing an LNG export terminal and thus expanding Pennsylvania’s role as a global energy leader."

Toby Z. Rice of EQT Corporation emphasized the importance of exporting Appalachian natural gas globally: "The task force’s report is clear – making clean, affordable, reliable Appalachian natural gas available on a global scale will increase energy security, decrease global emissions and promote family-sustaining jobs across the Commonwealth."

Jim Snell from Steamfitters Local 420 expressed support for the report's adoption: "This is an important step toward realizing the economic benefits of an LNG export terminal in our region, which can create thousands of well-paying union jobs."

White underscored that these recommendations aim to boost Pennsylvania's economy while supporting local workers. She mentioned recent legal developments affecting state energy policy: “The adoption of this report is especially important in light of today’s decision by the Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court voiding Pennsylvania’s entrance into the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), a multi-state energy tax program that would have increased energy costs for Pennsylvanians.”

The task force comprises legislative members, industry representatives, labor organizations, and city officials working collaboratively towards enhancing Pennsylvania's role in global energy markets.