Louisiana House Bill HCR94

Louisiana 2012 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/16/12
• Engrossed: 4/17/12
• Refer: 4/18/12
• Report Pass: 4/30/12
• Passed: 5/7/12

Caption

Memorializes congress to encourage and enable the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to review and approve Cheniere's Sabine Pass Liquid Natural Gas facility

Impact

The enactment of HCR94 is poised to significantly impact state and federal energy policies. It recognizes the employment opportunities that the Sabine Pass facility will generate, which include an average of 1,800 construction jobs and 200 permanent positions in the local area. Additionally, it is predicted to stimulate growth in supporting industries such as natural gas exploration and production. This resolution underlines the importance of navigating regulatory processes efficiently to maximize the potential benefits of LNG exports that can positively affect energy markets both regionally and nationally.

Summary

House Concurrent Resolution 94 (HCR94) calls on the United States Congress to take necessary actions that facilitate and expedite the review and approval processes for Cheniere Energy's Sabine Pass Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) facility. This resolution emphasizes the economic benefits anticipated from the facility's operations and aims to streamline the approval process not only for this facility but also for similar export projects nationwide. The resolution highlights that Cheniere Energy is prepared to make a significant ten billion dollar investment, which is expected to yield positive outcomes for the local and national economy.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HCR94 is generally supportive among legislators, as it aligns with pro-business and economic development perspectives. Contributors to the discussion endorsed the resolution as a means to enhance energy security and bolster job creation. However, while there is broad bipartisan agreement on the need to advance this resolution, there may be underlying concerns about environmental regulations and safeguards that necessarily accompany energy production and export activities, indicating a potential area for contention among stakeholders.

Contention

A notable point of contention related to HCR94 hinges on balancing economic development with environmental considerations. While the resolution supports expediting processes for LNG facilities, environmental advocates might argue for more rigorous assessments to ensure the preservation of local ecosystems. Furthermore, the length and depth of regulatory reviews have been scrutinized; some stakeholders may feel that faster approvals could lead to overlooked environmental impacts. Thus, the discussion surrounding HCR94 encapsulates a broader debate on how to effectively manage energy resources while ensuring environmental safeguards are not compromised.