Japan to start buying liquefied natural gas from U.S. by 2015: report

[The Northerner]

(Reuters) - Japan plans to start importing liquefied natural gas (LNG) from the United States as early as 2015 to secure a steady supply amid growing demand for the fuel, the Nikkei business daily reported on Wednesday.

Japan is currently unable to import U.S. LNG without approval from U.S. authorities, although a Japanese trade ministry official said on Wednesday that it was seeking approval for imports by Japanese firms.

"Japan asked the U.S. to promote exports," the official said, adding that Japanese Senior Vice Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Seishu Makino made the request to U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu on Tuesday as Japan seeks stable LNG supplies.

The Nikkei said Japanese power and gas utilities would initially import 2 million to 3 million tonnes of LNG a year, while the trade ministry estimates U.S. shipments could eventually make up 10 percent of Japan's LNG imports.

Read more: http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/09/14/us-japan-us-lng-idUSTRE78D0JI20110914

[blm]

1. Has Ron Paul addressed this issue to the satisfaction of Libertarian Republicans?

http://antiwar.com/who.php

It's a good bet all the GOP candidates support widespread fracking, too.

[FBaggins]

2. It's unlikely that either party will oppose it in significant numbers.

There's just too much economic benefit to let a few flammable faucets stand in the way.

[blm]

4. Possibly. But, I'm pretty certain it was posted to further the Libertarian-Republican agenda agenda

of the Ayn Rand types who loathe Democrats, the left, and any environmental protections that get in the way of their almighty dollar.

[enough]

3. Great, pollute US aquifers to sell gas to Japan. (nt)

[blm]

5. Almighty dollar comes first with LibertarianGOPs pushing this story. http://antiwar.com/who.php

http://antiwar.com/who.php