Building the terminals we need to export natural gas would create jobs in Texas and make America stronger.

That is why I co-sponsored a bill, H.R. 6, which the House of Representatives passed this week.  The bill would expedite the construction of Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) export terminals.  We have abundant energy resources in Texas and we have the technology to safely extract these resources. Our greatest challenge now is making sure we can get that energy to market.   The conversation and, more importantly, action on exporting natural gas needs to begin now.

Our country should not be dragging its feet when action would create jobs and take money out of our enemies’ hands.  LNG export terminals cannot be built overnight, so it is vital that we begin the process immediately and limit the redundant bureaucratic hurdles that the builders of these facilities need to clear. If we do not do this, then the world will be getting its energy not from West Texas, but from countries that hate our guts and could use that money in ways I would prefer not to think about.  The Senate needs to take up and pass H.R. 6 immediately, and President Obama should sign it.  This is just one of nearly 300 House passed bills that are waiting for Senate action.

Besides the Senate’s failure to act, the other great impediment for an energy industry that creates jobs in Texas and makes the world a safer place is our own federal agencies. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service are creating rules that would hamper the energy sector.

The EPA’s rules limiting power plant emissions are a direct attack on fossil fuels and that will ultimately result in thousands of West Texans losing their jobs.  Coal happens to be the target right now but oil and natural gas are next on the EPA’s list.  EPA will do its best to stop hydraulic fracturing.  They know that if they can stop fracking this energy renaissance that our nation is currently benefitting from will dry up and go away.

Like the EPA, the Fish and Wildlife Service is intent on hampering the energy industry and the economy of West Texas.  The Fish and Wildlife Service have made a scientifically questionable listing of the Lesser Prairie Chicken as threatened.

If the Fish and Wildlife Service and the EPA have their way, it will be the West Texas economy and our national security, not the Lesser Prairie Chicken, which are threatened.

I want to be clear that my opposition to these rules and commitment to having them overturned does not mean that I am not equally committed to preserving our land and water, and keeping wildlife safe.

I was born in Borger, raised in Odessa, and live in Midland. This is my home. I share the same concerns that many of you do about our water supply.  I am confident in Texan’s ability to make the decisions needed to make sure we have both a strong economy and livable communities.

My argument can be summed up in two words: Texas Works.  My hope is that this Administration and Senate Democrats will allow it to continue to work, not only for the benefit of Texas, but for the entire nation.

– Congressman Mike Conaway