John Garamendi: “Who doesn't want to export natural gas? I suspect we all do. We like to do it in the proper manner, and this is the…”

“Who doesn't want to export natural gas? I suspect we all do. We like to do it in the proper manner, and this is the debate to be had over whether it should be done with or without this exemption from the normal process. But there is another issue at hand. Clearly, natural gas is a strategic national asset. Both sides would agree to that. I don't think there is any debate whatsoever--a strategic national asset. And it is certainly going to be to the benefit of certain parts of this Nation that happen to have shale gas available. It is also going to be a benefit to the petroleum industry and those that are able to extract the natural gas--all good. But why don't we use this strategic national asset to support another strategic national asset, our maritime industry? It used to be when the north slope of Alaska opened up that all of that oil that was exported from Alaska had to be on American ships with American sailors. Over the years, that disappeared. But we have an opportunity right here with this piece of legislation to really enhance the benefit that comes from this strategic national asset. I am all for the Caribbean. Good for them. Good for us. But what if that was shipped on American ships, built in American shipyards by American workers, and the steel was American steel? What if we made it in America?…”