There is a surplus of natural gas produced in the US, far above what we use domestically, that is “associated gas”. Every barrel of crude oil has dissolved gas in it, about 1000 to 3000 std. cubic feet. Alternatives to exporting are storage, which has limited space and pipeline access, or flaring the gas on site. Flaring is only permitted early in well life. It’s discouraged by the feds, and limited by states, often by state law. No revenue is made on flared gas, no taxes, no mineral owner payments. It’s wasteful to flare, but it does facilitate the abundant oil production. So the associated gas needs to go to market and be sold. LNG is the outlet. Shutting down LNG exports would force a slowdown of domestic crude production.
ICBW, but I'm pretty sure they aren't using the vast storage fields in (under) North-Central WV. I haven't smelled gas along the I79 corridor in a loooong time.
ICBW, but I'm pretty sure they aren't using the vast storage fields in (under) North-Central WV. I haven't smelled gas along the I79 corridor in a loooong time.
Thank you. That is a very good answer and has changed my mind in the question.