Evaluating the Prospects for Natural Gas Exports from the United States

The shale gas “revolution” has transformed the U.S. energy landscape in recent years. New volumes of this unconventional natural gas have caused gas prices to plummet and obviated the need to import the large quantities of liquefied natural gas (LNG) considered essential less than a decade ago. The newfound abundance of gas resources has been a boon to domestic consumers, in the electricity, industrial and manufacturing, and transportation sectors. Now, with an abundant natural gas supply depressing domestic prices, some companies have developed controversial plans to export LNG to markets in Europe and Asia. Domestic gas consumers contend that it will raise prices and increase volatility. Would-be LNG exporters argue that exports will incentivize expanded natural gas production, provide foreign exchange revenue, and boost the U.S. economy. They also argue that the pricing implications of gas exports would be minimal.

On January 24, the Energy Security Initiative at Brookings will release “Evaluating the Prospects for Liquefied Natural Gas from the United States,” an interim report of a year-long study examining the feasibility and implications of U.S. LNG exports. Senior Fellow Charles Ebinger, director of the Energy Security Initiative and lead author of the report, will present the findings. Following his presentation, three panelists will address the issues surrounding natural gas exports and will look ahead to the second part of the Brookings study, which focuses on the implications of U.S. LNG exports.

After the program, the speakers will take audience questions.