Legislation sponsored by Pennsylvania Rep. Marina White (R-Philadelphia) that would create a task force to study how to expand Philadelphia’s exportation of liquid natural gas (LNG) to international markets advanced the state House last week.
The legislation, House Bill 2458, would create the task force made up of members of the General Assembly, the natural gas industry, Philadelphia building trades, and PhilaPort. The task force would study the economic feasibility, financial impact, and the security necessities involved in turning the Port of Philly into an LNG export terminal.
“Russia’s unprovoked invasion of Ukraine makes it clear that the world has become too reliant on Russia for its energy needs,” White said. “Europe, in particular, is heavily dependent upon Russia for its oil and gas. In 2021, two-fifths of the gas Europeans used came from Russia, which makes it more difficult for those countries to impose sanctions on Russia as punishment for President Vladimir Putin’s murderous behavior and to dissuade him from further hostility. But Pennsylvania can make a tremendous difference.”
The task force will also study how best to create a port in Philadelphia and how to overcome current obstacles preventing Philadelphia from becoming a leader in exporting LNG. The task force will report its recommendations to the General Assembly and the administration.
The bill now moves on to the Senate for a vote.