The bill was prepared by Congressmen Carol Miller and David McKinley. As stated in the explanatory note to the project, increasing US gas exports will contribute to the energy security of US partners.
"The Energy Security Cooperation with European Partners Bill (ESCAPE) implies the development by the US government of a comprehensive transatlantic energy strategy that will increase US exports and help ensure energy security for our NATO allies through US energy resources," the note to the project reads. ...
The initiative also envisages obliging the US Secretary of Energy to expedite the process of approving applications for the export of natural gas to all partners in the North Atlantic Alliance, Japan and other states "whose national security is of paramount importance."
In addition, the authors of the bill argue that Russia allegedly uses fuel resources as a geopolitical weapon to "threaten" US allies. In this regard, the States should help reduce the economic and political "influence" of Moscow, politicians say.
“Energy security is national security. Expanding US energy exports will help ensure greater security for Europe, ”Miller said.
Earlier, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced Washington's readiness to include the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline and the second string of the Turkish Stream in recommendations to the law on sanctions against companies involved in Russian projects.
Meanwhile, the European Union opposed such restrictions. According to Josep Borrell, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, this is contrary to international law.
Deputy Chairman of the Russian Security Council Dmitry Medvedev, in turn, noted that the construction of the Russian gas pipeline will be completed, despite the "groaning of American friends."