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.  

On May 2, the Energy Security Initiative at Brookings hosted the release of the new report “Liquid Markets: Assessing the Case for U.S. Exports of Liquefied Natural Gas.” Senior Fellow and ESI Director Charles Ebinger, lead author, presented the report’s conclusions and recommendations. Following his presentation, Ebinger moderated a discussion featuring three representatives from the report’s expert task force.