Key findings in a new report by ICF International, analyzing the potential impacts of exporting U.S. liquefied natural gas (LNG):

Jobs – Average net growth is projected to range from 73,100 to 452,300 between 2016 and 2035.

ICF:

This wide estimated range reflects the fact that the net job impacts will depend, in part, on how much “slack” there is in the economy and how much the demand for LNG-export-related labor will “crowd out” other labor demands. Manufacturing job gains average between 7,800 and 76,800 net jobs between 2016 and 2035, including 1,700-11,400 net job gains in the specific manufacturing sectors that include refining, petrochemicals, and chemicals.

Economic Growth – Net effect on U.S. GDP is projected to range from $15.6 billion a year to $73.6 billion by 2... more »

Washington Examiner – Fracking Could Create New Wealth for New York

In a guest column, former Department of Labor Chief Economist Diana Furchtgott-Roth discusses the opportunities hydraulic fracturing could bring to New York state. “Using the Pennsylvania data to project fracking's effect on New York counties, I find that the incomes of those who live in the 28 New York counties above the Marcellus Shale have the potential to expand by as much as 15 percent over the next four years -- if the state's moratorium is lifted.”

National Journal – Natural Gas Exports Loom Large Over Washington

NJ’s Amy Harder takes a look at the liquefied natural gas debate after a visit to Dominion’s Cove Point, Md., facility – a former import terminal waiting for federal approval to add  export capabili... more »

Lots to like in President Obama’s remarks earlier this week from New York:

“When it comes to energy, not only have we been able to double our production of clean energy, but even in terms of traditional energy, we will probably be a net exporter of natural gas in somewhere between five and ten years.  And so the idea of the United States being energy independent – which seemed far-fetched as recently as 10 years ago – now is actually a possibility.”

As well as those from Texas earlier this month, where he talked about job creation and driving economic momentum:

“… we've got to make America a magnet for good jobs. … And even as we’re working to reverse the trend of communities that have been hard hit with old manufacturing leaving, we’ve got to propose partnerships with local... more »

The Associated Press has this look at momentum for exporting U.S. natural gas, driven by an abundance of natural gas from shale via hydraulic fracturing. Bill Cooper, president of the Center for Liquefied Natural Gas, tells AP:

“LNG exports are a huge opportunity for the United States economy, our workers and our geopolitical relationships with countries such as Japan that are seeking to import natural gas. LNG exports will create jobs, increase government revenue and benefit consumers.”

Cooper is right. Studies – like this one for the Energy Department and this one by ICF International – show how America’s wealth in natural gas from shale could support demand here and overseas, to America’s benefit in terms of job and economic growth.

Currently, the Energy Department is review... more »

Associated Press – Natural Gas Export Plans Stir Debate

The AP highlights describes the  natural gas export debate, which is being driven by an abundance of domestic supply. Sen. Ron Wyden, chairman of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, said officials should seek a "sweet spot" for LNG exports — allowing enough to spur drilling and increase gas supplies, but not enough to create export-driven price hikes.

Free Enterprise – Interior Secretary: Hydraulic Fracturing is "Essential"

Free Enterprise’s Sean Hackbarth recaps Secretary Sally Jewell’s recent testimony before the Senate Appropriations Committee during which she stated that hydraulic fracturing is an “essential technology” that “can be done safely and responsibly.”

The Post-Journal – Hydraulic Fracturing Is A... more »