Will More US Natural Gas To Europe 'Keep Putin in Check'? Doubtful.

"Republicans say faster approval of LNG export terminals could help check the influence of other suppliers, like Russia, and allow Europe to take a tougher diplomatic stance on Ukraine. Energy analysts say that would take years.

America and its European allies could take a tougher diplomatic stance against Russian President Vladimir Putin’s expansionism in Ukraine if Europe could tap US natural gas supplies instead of depending so heavily on Russia for winter heating fuel, Republican leaders in the US said this week.

To that end, House Speaker John Boehner of Ohio on Thursday urged President Obama to “keep Putin in check” and “help our allies in Europe” by expediting approval of new liquified natural gas (LNG) export terminals to get US gas supplies flowing to Europe.

It was virtually the same point Speaker Boehner made Wednesday, chastising Mr. Obama for foot-dragging on federal approval of LNG export terminals. While six LNG terminals have received US Department of Energy approval over the past three years, he said, another 24 applications are waiting to be evaluated."

Mark Clayton reports for the Christian Science Monitor March 6, 2014.