(Alexandria, Virginia) – A Congressional hearing on natural gas production prompted the 60 Plus Association, the nation’s largest conservative seniors advocacy group, to reaffirm its support for liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports, emphasizing the important boost it would bring to the nation’s economy.

The hearing was entitled “Opportunities and Challenges for National Gas” and was held by the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. “Approving the export of liquid natural gas should be a top priority.  Our economy has already benefitted greatly from natural gas production –from job creation to increased income,” said 60 Plus Association Chairman and Founder Jim Martin. “But this economic boom won’t last unless we realize the full potential of natural gas in the international market and support the export of this industry.

“As Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) noted in yesterday’s hearing, ‘I don’t think dragging our feet is an option here.’ “We agree and that is why bipartisan groups, in both the House and Senate, have endorsed the quick approval of LNG exports,” continued Martin. “These politicians understand that if the U.S. continues to shy away from the global market, domestic drilling will decrease, and the private sector will not invest in an insolvent product.  To further regulate and impede any progress that could be made by permitting LNG exports which could assist in securing our nation’s fiscal future is anti-consumer and hurts the constituents that these Congressmen represent.

“The 60 Plus Association represents elderly members of our society, who are often on fixed and, in fact, declining incomes. In the current economic climate, LNG exports have the potential to provide a crucial economic lift and added security to consumers, particularly to our senior population.”

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