Florida Congressmen Ted Yoho and Michael Waltz have introduced the Small Scale LNG Access Act, which will “streamline permitting of natural gas facilities that export less than 51.1 billion cubic feet per year.”

In a press release, it’s explained that “the current permitting process for LNG export facilities is expensive, and small-scale projects often are not cost effective.” The release added that “reducing the time and investment required for small-scale exports will benefit U.S. production, manufacturing, and construction jobs while also reducing trade deficits with regional allies.” Finally, it’s explained that “increasing LNG exports, even on a small scale, will have positive economic impacts for Florida and support cleaner energy alternatives.”

Congressman Waltz weighed in on the necessity for this measure, and he touched on the move to avoid using oil from Venezuela. As tensions rise in Venezuela and Maduro is slammed for his oppressive regime, Waltz noted that “this bill makes American liquefied natural gas accessible and cost-effective to regional allies that no longer want to rely on Venezuelan oil,” which the Florida Congressman calls “Maduro’s socialist oil.”

Congressman Yoho also commented on the measure, detailing that “with America’s vast natural gas reserves, JAXPORT in North Central Florida is in a position to be a valuable trading hub to meet global demand for Liquefied Natural Gas exports.” He further explained that “at the end of 2018, demand for LNG has seen a sixty-percent increase from what it was in 2017.” In turn, Yoho argued that there is a need to “capitalize on the growth of this energy sector.”

Explaining that “Jacksonville is an ideal location to service the needs of the Caribbean, South America and the rest of the world with abundant, clean-burning American natural gas,” Yoho added that “this will not only mean good paying jobs regionally but increased economic benefits for our state economy as well.”