The Bismarck (ND) Tribune argues that “Applications to export natural gas, waiting for approval by the U.S. Department of Energy, ought to be expedited in view of what’s happened in Ukraine. It will be a symbolic gesture in the short term but making the U.S. an alternative to Russia as a source of natural gas for Europe could be critical in the future.”  

The piece continues: “Approving the permits would give companies the knowledge that if liquification plants come on line, there would be global markets for U.S. natural gas. Otherwise, investors will continue to be reluctant.”  

“The best idea is for the industry to be positioned for the future.”  

“The natural gas Europe buys from Russia is expensive, more than double the price of natural gas in the U.S. Shipping will be expensive, but the higher Russian price gives U.S. companies a shot at being competitive.”  

“Continued delays by the Obama administration on energy issues ranging from the Keystone XL pipeline to exporting natural gas limit U.S. foreign policy and flexibility in world energy markets.”  

“The administration needs to act on these key issues now.”