2003S2111-1 05/05/04


By:  Armbrister                                                   S.R. No. 108



SENATE RESOLUTION
	WHEREAS, Texas is the largest consumer of natural gas in 
the nation and the largest exporter of natural gas to other 
states; and
	WHEREAS, Almost 60 percent of the homes in the United 
States use natural gas; and
	WHEREAS, Texas should be at the forefront in the race to 
secure the country's access to other nations' abundant and 
cheaper supplies of natural gas, the most environmentally 
friendly fuel, by the importation of liquefied natural gas to 
Texas receiving terminals; and
	WHEREAS, Our country's lack of access to adequate supplies 
of natural gas, which is a threat to our economy, has been 
underscored repeatedly by Federal Reserve Chairman Alan 
Greenspan in speeches and testimony before the Congress of the 
United States as the nation's manufacturing and power industries 
continue to lose jobs and consumers nationwide face escalating 
energy bills; and
	WHEREAS, Current natural gas prices and insufficient 
supply have been detrimental to industries based in Texas; and
	WHEREAS, Analysts expect continued high natural gas 
prices, and liquefied natural gas imports have the potential to 
reduce and stabilize natural gas prices; and
	WHEREAS, Lower energy prices will create and retain jobs 
in this state; and  
	WHEREAS, It is necessary to develop liquefied natural gas 
receiving terminals in the State of Texas in order for Texas to 
remain the leader in the natural gas industry and maintain a 
healthy business and industrial environment; and 
	WHEREAS, The development of liquefied natural gas 
receiving terminals in Texas will benefit the people of Texas and 
the nation; now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 78th 
Legislature, 4th Called Session, hereby respectfully urge the 
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to expeditiously consider, 
approve, and permit applications for liquefied natural gas 
receiving terminals in the State of Texas; and, be it further
	RESOLVED, That the Secretary of the Senate forward copies 
of this Resolution to the chairman of the Federal Energy 
Regulatory Commission and to all the members of the Texas 
congressional delegation.