EU and many eastern European countries are dependent upon Gazprom for natural gas. By lifting or easing the ban on export to non free trade countries, we could provide them an alternative source of energy and increase their level of political autonomy
Short of lifting the ban, we could request the U.S Energy Department to push applications of exemption for countries largely dependent upon Russian natural Gas.
Current U.S natural-gas markets are below global average. Gas could be liquefied and shipped to the EU while retaining competitive prices. With the current climate in the EU and eastern Europe, increased political autonomy of countries would be beneficial to EU, & U.S goals.
- Relevant legislation: S.192 & H.R.580, titled 'Expedited LNG for American Allies Act of 2013' -