Todd Staples, president of the Texas Oil & Gas Association, issued the following statement after word that the U.S. Department of Energy approved permits for two LNG export companies, including Golden Pass LNG in Houston, Texas, to sell American energy overseas:

“Developing American energy infrastructure is vital to delivering reliable and affordable oil and natural gas products for our nation and allies who are depending on our country. We applaud Senator Cruz for his diligence in pushing for approval of DOE permits that will result in jobs here at home and a higher level of energy security. To solve today’s crisis, we must continue to unleash American energy leadership.”

U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), who earlier this year introduced the Energy Freedom Act, which would approve all pending LNG export licenses, added:

“At such a critical time for global energy needs, I’m proud to have led the fight to press the Department of Energy to help secure permits for export at two new LNG export facilities. This is a tremendous victory for Texans, American jobs, trade, and our European allies who will now have greater access to our clean natural gas exports. America produces the cleanest energy in the world, and I want to thank Secretary Granholm for listening to my concerns about how the delays in permitting was hurting our economy and working productively with me to finally issue these permits.”

The Energy Freedom Act would also expedite natural gas pipeline permitting applications, in order to accelerate LNG exporting to Europe and other allies. This would decrease Europe’s reliance on Russian gas, increase domestic jobs, reduce the trade deficit, and promote clean and reliable American energy.