header banner
ECONOMY, WORLD

US senators introduce Bill to combat alleged Russian energy dominance in Europe

WASHINGTON, Oct 11: US Senators Chris Murphy and Ron Johnson said in a press release on Wednesday that they have introduced the European Energy Security and Diversification Act to provide new tools for the United States to combat what they characterize is malign Russian influence as well as create economic opportunities at home and abroad.
By Agencies

WASHINGTON, Oct 11: US Senators Chris Murphy and Ron Johnson said in a press release on Wednesday that they have introduced the European Energy Security and Diversification Act to provide new tools for the United States to combat what they characterize is malign Russian influence as well as create economic opportunities at home and abroad.


"Russia uses its dominance of the energy market, along with bribery, corruption, and propaganda to undermine Western institutions and install pliant governments that are unable or unwilling to counter Russia or its president, Vladimir Putin," the release said. "The European Energy Security and Diversification Act will authorize $1 billion in US financing for European energy projects that, paired with increased diplomatic and technical support, will help diversify Europe’s energy supply and decrease Russia’s hold on the region."


Related story

Better together


The senators said Russia is doing everything it can to gain power over countries in its periphery.


"We’ve rightly invested billions to shore up military defenses in Eastern Europe, but let’s not forget the equally dangerous implications of Russia’s energy stranglehold on Europe," Murphy said. "Vladimir Putin gets away with a lot because so much of Europe relies on Russia for energy."


Murphy explained that by helping US allies secure new sources of energy and contribute to strategically important projects, Washington "can help break Putin’s grip on Europe and create jobs here in the US."


The release said the bill authorizes the US Trade and Development Agency and other agencies to support US private sector investment in strategically important energy projects in Central and Eastern Europe from the fiscal year 2019 to 2023.


Projects include natural gas infrastructure such as interconnectors, storage facilities, liquefied natural gas (LNG) import facilities, and reverse flow capacity, according to the release.

Related Stories
WORLD

Europe investigates 'attacks' on Russian gas pipel...

WORLD

2 more GOP senators oppose health bill, killing it...

WORLD

Two Republican senators propose bill to slash lega...

SOCIETY

US senators lobby for TPS extension of Nepali nati...

POLITICS

Govt will not introduce any bill sans stakeholders...