Assessing the Case for U.S. Exports of Liquefied Natural Gas

The boom in domestic natural gas production has raised the prospect of the United States becoming a significant exporter of liquefied natural gas (LNG). Proponents of natural gas exports argue that it would provide valuable foreign exchange income, a strategic asset for U.S. foreign policy, and a source of economic growth and job creation. Some domestic natural gas consumers contend that exporting U.S. gas would increase domestic natural gas prices, resulting in higher prices and reduced competitiveness for domestic businesses. The Energy Security Initiative at Brookings (ESI) has conducted a year-long study into the feasibility and implications of potential U.S. LNG exports.