Robert J. Samuelson, columnist for The Washington Post, published a column on December 23 asking politicians and policy makers to not “smother the shale-gas boom.”

The idea of restricting natural gas exports (mainly LNG or liquified natural gas) has been a point of conversation for some time since the shale-gas boom began several years ago. The premise being that restricting exports can guarantee lower prices for U.S. customers and bolster the competitiveness of U.S. businesses.

Samuelson isn’t convinced.

Read it:

“Limiting LNG exports might initially cut prices, but the long-run consequences would be perverse. By depressing prices, we might kill the boom.”

Samuelson argues that limiting exports would make drilling less profitable, effectively putting a wet blanket on an industry poised to single-handedly pull the U.S. out of economic paralysis.

Citing economic impacts including a study that reported the gas boom has created 500,000 jobs for producers and suppliers, Samuelson further strengthens his argument for less regulation of the industry.

 
» Via: The Washington Post › Don’t kill the shale-gas boom