Bill Johnson

Mr. JOHNSON of Ohio

Mr. JOHNSON of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I was absent during this morning's vote on final passage of H.R. 5 due to travel for an unavoidable medical appointment back in Ohio. Had I been present for this vote on H.R. 5, I would have voted ``nay'' on rollcall No. 215, ``yea'' on rollcall No. 216, and ``nay'' on rollcall No. 217.

Mr. JOHNSON of Ohio

Mr. JOHNSON of Ohio. Mr. Chairman, put simply, this legislation forces President Trump's hand to carry out the goals of his predecessor, but this administration was elected to tackle our energy issues differently, our environmental issues differently. Americans asked for this change in direction. And we got that last Congress, where Republicans worked with this administration to find creative ways to streamline the development and use of all of our energy sources and technologies. We examined grid modification issues, looked at ways to encourage the creation and adoption of advanced nuclear energy, along with creative ways to encourage new coal and natural gas technologies. We looked at how market forces are driving new energy technologies and how the Federal Government can play a supportive role in that advancement, not pick winners and losers. I worry that today's legislation could bring us back to a prescriptive approach to our Federal energy policy. It could cause significant ratepayer hikes on families and small businesses in eastern and southeastern Ohio who simply cannot absorb higher electric bills. H.R. 9 was rushed through our committees. The Energy and Commerce Committee held no hearings on it, but simply a full committee markup. Members had no time to debate it--only vote. E&C Democrat leadership even expressed frustration over the expedited pace of this bill. Because of these reasons and the issues raised by my colleagues, I urge a ``no'' vote on H.R. 9.

Mr. JOHNSON of Ohio

Mr. JOHNSON of Ohio. Mr. Chairman, I rise today to join my colleagues in opposition to the so-called Save the Internet Act. I say ``so- called'' because it really should be called another Big Government attempt to grab the internet act. I am disappointed in my colleagues across the aisle who chose to place partisan politics above the interests of the American people and refused to work across party lines to codify actual workable solutions that prevent anticompetitive conduct rather than continuing the political game of information technology regulatory ping-pong under the guise of net neutrality. Let me be clear, I support an open and free internet. However, this legislation doesn't do that. What it would do is impose heavy-handed title II regulations on the internet, which is not only unnecessary, but would actually stall broadband deployment. From 1996 to 2015, the internet was thriving. It grew at a rapid, unprecedented pace and enabled countless innovative technologies that Americans have come to rely on: connectivity for businesses, students to do their schoolwork, families and friends staying connected, telemedicine, and many other everyday conveniences. However, it was under the Big Government grab of then-FCC Chairman Wheeler and the classification of broadband as a utility-style telecommunications service under title II that we saw a decline in broadband deployment and online innovation and investment. This is a serious issue, particularly for geographically challenging, rural areas such as eastern and southeastern Ohio that already struggle with broadband deployment. The digital divide is very real, and we have a responsibility to provide solutions, not create additional barriers to employment, growth, and innovation. Rural communities don't need or want higher costs and fewer options than they already have, and that is why I am opposed to this legislation. As I have stated before, the only saving the internet needs is from heavy-handed Washington regulations. Mr. Chairman, I urge my colleagues to oppose this disingenuous legislation.

Mr. JOHNSON of Ohio

Mr. JOHNSON of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Yorkville Village, Ohio, Council Member Ron Emerson for his commitment to the community and for the years he has served as a public servant. Mr. Emerson has served the people of Yorkville, Ohio, for 56 years. He was first elected to the Yorkville Village Council in 1963 and worked tirelessly to help the people of his hometown. During his tenure, he has supported many civic improvements, secured new equipment for the police and fire departments, and even helped secure a World War II cannon for the local war memorial. When Mr. Emerson is not serving the people of Yorkville, he can often be found at Ohio Stadium cheering on the Ohio State Buckeyes football team. Yorkville will be better off for generations to come thanks to Mr. Emerson's service, and I am proud to call him not only a constituent, but a friend. I applaud Mr. Emerson's commitment to making a difference in his community, and I urge my colleagues to join me in acknowledging his service.

Mr. JOHNSON of Ohio

Mr. JOHNSON of Ohio. Madam Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to an American hero, Robert Pioli, of Marietta, Ohio. Only 19 years old when Pearl Harbor was attacked, he stepped up to fight for his country. Robert requested to be a bombardier because it had the shortest training, and he was ready to fight. In April of 1944, his B-17 was hit over Hungary. He was captured by the Nazis and became a POW, first sent to Poland and then eventually to Moosburg, Germany. It was in Moosburg, in April 1945, that tanks under General Patton rolled over the gates and liberated the camp. Then came what Lieutenant Pioli said was the most memorable and dramatic moment of his life: The American flag was slowly raised over the town of Moosburg. There wasn't a dry eye in the camp. Robert recently passed away, peacefully, with his family at his side. I am honored to have gotten to know this brave American and his family. He didn't like to be called a hero, but that doesn't change the fact that he certainly was one. God rest in peace, Robert Pioli.

Mr. JOHNSON of Ohio

Mr. JOHNSON of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, as a proud father of four and a grandfather of six, I rise today in strong support of those who cannot defend themselves, the most innocent and defenseless among us, the unborn. I share the pro-life views of those I serve in eastern and southeastern Ohio. A few weeks ago, many Ohioans joined more than 100,000 pro-life Americans at the annual March for Life here in Washington, D.C. Although, with so little national media coverage of this major event, some may have missed this passionate and growing movement made up of men and women, boys and girls from all walks of life. Recently, we have witnessed the inhuman policies introduced by multiple States permitting late-term abortions, even, unbelievably, all the way up to birth. It is past time that Congress pass legislation banning this horrific practice. Mr. Speaker, I strongly urge my colleagues on both sides to reject infanticide and defend the sanctity of human life.

Mr. JOHNSON of Ohio

Mr. JOHNSON of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, today is the culmination of months of tireless work driven by heartbreaking stories of people whose lives were destroyed by opioid addiction, and, just as importantly, the powerful stories of hope and recovery. I am grateful for the hard work of my colleagues and our Energy and Commerce staff. I am proud that my legislation to improve how health professional students are taught to recognize, prevent, and address addiction, as well as to expand the availability of telehealth and peer support services for those struggling with addiction is included. Mr. Speaker, I am looking forward to continuing the hard work ahead on this very important issue, and I urge support for the bill.

Mr. JOHNSON of Ohio

Mr. JOHNSON of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor an American hero, Sergeant Gerald Timmann. Sergeant Timmann is a Vietnam combat veteran from Leetonia, Ohio, who served in the 101st Airborne from 1967 to 1969. He spent 13 grueling months in Vietnam's jungles and was exposed to some of the worst battles in the conflict. Ten days prior to the end of his tour, Sergeant Timmann was hit by a grenade during combat, causing him to lose both legs. Sergeant Timmann says he is forever grateful to the brave medevac helicopter crews that, under heavy fire, rescued him. In honor of his profound bravery, Sergeant Timmann has deservedly received a number of awards, including the Purple Heart, Infantry Combat Medal, and National Defense Service Medal. Sergeant Timmann exemplifies the selfless courage of our military, and I am honored to share his story with the Nation today.

Mr. JOHNSON of Ohio

Mr. JOHNSON of Ohio. Madam Chair, I have said it many times this week, and I will say it again. The legislation before us today, H.R. 4606, the Ensuring Small Scale LNG Certainty and Access Act, will help the United States fully realize its economic potential regarding small- scale liquefied natural gas exports and associated technologies. This bill addresses current permitting concerns, but it is also forward looking. H.R. 4606 will help the United States to grow as a reliable, trusted trading partner. It can help reduce trade deficits, promote new job opportunities at home, and strengthen ties with our allies abroad. Specifically, this bill provides that applications under the Natural Gas Act for the importation or exportation of small volumes of natural gas will be granted without delay, but only if they do not require an environmental assessment under the National Environmental Policy Act. This means that both FERC and DOE must continue to fully comply with NEPA regulations and that they must evaluate the potential direct and indirect impacts, consult with other agencies, and receive public input. Importantly, this bill is the product of bipartisan compromise and work. During markups at the House Energy and Commerce Committee, Representative Gene Green and I worked together so that both sides of the aisle could support this commonsense legislation. I appreciate his hard work, along with the work of many of my other colleagues. As a result, this bill has support from a diverse group of stakeholders, including the Center for Liquefied Natural Gas, the National Association of Manufacturers, the Laborers' International Union of North America, the American Petroleum Institute, and Citizens for Responsible Energy Solutions. Now, as the Representative for rural eastern and southeastern Ohio, I have long recognized the benefits of excess natural gas exports. Because of the shale gas boom, new opportunities are emerging for Ohio and the surrounding States virtually daily, as ethane cracker plants and ethane storage hubs begin to take shape. Reports show that this trend will only continue, as one study predicts that the region has sufficient ethane feedstock to support up to five ethane cracker plants. These opportunities are huge and have become viable thanks to new technologies that have led to an increase in natural gas production. But it is also due to an increase in production resulting from the growing demand for excess U.S. natural gas. In fact, natural gas production is at an all-time high, and reserves are so large that they are predicted to meet domestic demand for almost a century. Ohio alone reached new highs in October 2017, as natural gas production reached 5.5 billion cubic feet per day. H.R. 4606 can play a role in furthering America's economic progress by allowing our domestic producers and gas providers to export small quantities of natural gas to neighboring countries in a more efficient manner. Don't misunderstand this. There is an interest for U.S. natural gas in the Caribbean, Central America, and South America, although not in the quantities that the current large-scale domestic exporting facilities were built to address via conventional liquefied natural gas tankers. This bill will help our job creators meet that demand and take full advantage of our economic opportunities throughout our Western Hemisphere. And, with the certainty provided by H.R. 4606, companies currently in operation or those exploring new small-scale possibilities will be incentivized to move forward with new investments with the increased certainty provided by H.R. 4606. This is especially important considering that the Dominican Republic is the only country in the Caribbean with a free trade agreement that can get our excess natural gas easily. And, as Puerto Rico continues to rebuild after the devastating hurricane in 2017, increased shipments and availability of American small-scale LNG can help the island meet its energy needs. H.R. 4606 will also better allow our domestic providers the opportunity to deliver a stable source of U.S. energy to countries currently relying on Venezuelan fuel oil, which has been used to gain influence within countries throughout the region. This effort to increase U.S. energy opportunities within this area of the world is not new, as the previous administration also sought increased engagement through the creation of the Caribbean Energy Security Initiative. Similarly, the Department of Energy recently issued a final rule very similar to H.R. 4606. Now I would like to quickly address a few concerns that we have heard about this bill during debate. Some of my colleagues have said that the bill is unnecessary because it would replicate a Department of Energy regulation that was recently finalized, while at the same time arguing that this bill would lead to an unrestricted natural gas export policy with dire consequences. I disagree with both of those statements, as it is important for Congress to exercise its authority and not leave policy solely up to the administration, and this bill by no means promotes an unrestricted policy. What is telling about these conflicting statements is that they simply cannot both be true at the same time, and it leads me to question the sincerity behind the statements. Additionally, I have heard arguments that this bill could allow companies to skip the review process for larger projects by splitting them into smaller pieces. Now, these LNG companies are building to economies of scale. These are expensive projects. The financial viability of stacking or combining many small-scale trains is simply not viable, and the operating costs would surely cause the cost of gas to be uncompetitive in the global market. Madam Chair, the benefits of natural gas exports are clear. As numerous Department of Energy studies and various independent studies have concluded, they are a net positive to our U.S. economy. These studies have found that LNG exports support thousands of American jobs, many of them within manufacturing. In fact, the Department of Energy once again highlighted the benefits of LNG exports with a study it released in June. This study, which is in addition to four other studies commissioned by the DOE since 2012, presented additional data that demonstrates how LNG exports are a net benefit to our economy. With U.S. natural gas reserves as large as they are, and with new technological advancements allowing our producers to access an increasing amount of natural gas each and every day, it is imperative that the United States takes full advantage of this important and abundant energy resource. H.R. 4606 is a step in that direction. It will strengthen U.S. geopolitical ties, increase job creation, and promote domestic economic growth as a result. Madam Chair, I hope all of my colleagues will join me in supporting this important bipartisan legislation today.

Mr. JOHNSON of Ohio. Madam Chair, I rise in opposition to the amendment.

Mr. JOHNSON of Ohio. Madam Chair, this amendment adds an additional round of DOE hearing and public comment on proposed small-scale LNG exports. Unfortunately, this amendment is designed to undercut the important benefits of this legislation, and we simply cannot accept it. H.R. 4606 was narrowly drafted with bipartisan input throughout the committee process, as the ranking member knows very well. In fact, at committee, I worked with Mr. Green and other Democrats on a bipartisan amendment that ensures that DOE and FERC must fully comply with NEPA and the Council on Environmental Quality's regulations under this bill. This means they must evaluate the potential direct and indirect impacts, consult with other agencies, and, most importantly, receive public input. Not only has this idea been vetted through hearings and markup on the Energy and Commerce Committee, but, additionally, this concept has already been thoroughly vetted and subjected to a fully transparent rulemaking process at the Department of Energy, complete with public comment and input. We simply want to put this in the right lane. It should be the Congress that is passing law, not putting it solely in the hands of the administration. Today's amendment serves only one purpose, and that is delay. The purpose of H.R. 4606 is to help the United States fully realize its economic potential regarding small-scale liquefied natural gas exports and associated technologies. It will strengthen U.S. geopolitical ties, increase job creation, and promote domestic economic growth as a result. This amendment jeopardizes those goals and it denies nations in the Caribbean and Latin America the opportunity to have an inexpensive, reliable source of energy from right here in the United States. Madam Chair, I urge a ``no'' vote on this amendment, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. JOHNSON of Ohio. Madam Chair, I include letters of support in the Record. CLNG, Center for Liquefied Natural Gas, December 11, 2017. Hon. Greg Walden, Chairman, Committee on Energy and Commerce, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Hon. Frank Pallone, Jr., Ranking Member, Committee on Energy and Commerce, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Dear Chairman Walden and Ranking Member Pallone: Regulatory certainty is vital to U.S. LNG and bipartisan legislation like the Unlocking Our Domestic LNG Potential Act (H.R. 4605) and The Ensuring Small Scale LNG Certainty and Access Act (H.R. 4606) take steps to provide a clear and straightforward path for the industry. Providing a certain pathway for U.S. natural gas to be sold abroad will create thousands of good paying jobs right here in the United States, generate millions in tax revenue for the federal, state, and local governments, and supply our allies and trading partners with a reliable, clean, safe source of energy. The United States is awash with natural gas, with more discoveries almost daily, and in order for the U.S. natural gas industry to continue to be an engine for growth, reliable exports offer a perfect solution. Legislation by Congress that creates a more certain regulatory process enables our country to capture this narrow window of opportunity to export LNG internationally and sends a strong signal to our allies and trading partners that the U.S. is committed to its role as a global energy leader. Bi-partisan support for LNG certainty highlights how important the issue is. Policymakers from both sides of the aisle can appreciate good paying jobs here at home and energy choices for allies around the globe. Representatives Johnson and Ryan have a long history of support for U.S. LNG and we look forward to working with them and others in the future on LNG issues. We urge support for Representative Johnson and Ryan's Unlocking Our Domestic LNG Potential Act and The Ensuring Small Scale LNG Certainty and Access Act. Sincerely, Charlie Riedl, Executive Director, Center for LNG.

Mr. JOHNSON of Ohio. Madam Chair, I have before me a letter from the Center for Liquefied Natural Gas. It says: ``The United States is awash with natural gas, with more discoveries almost daily, and in order for the U.S. natural gas industry to continue to be an engine for growth, reliable exports offer a perfect solution.'' They go on to say: ``Bipartisan support for LNG certainty highlights how important this issue is.'' I also have a letter here in front of me from LIUNA, and they say this: ``On behalf of the 500,000 members of the Laborers' International Union of North America, LIUNA, I want to express our support for H.R. 4606, Ensuring Small Scale LNG Certainty and Access Act.'' They go on to say: ``LIUNA believes in an all-of-the-above energy policy.'' Madam Chair, that is exactly what H.R. 4606 promotes. I also have a letter here in front of me from Citizens for Responsible Energy Solutions. There is nobody any more concerned about our energy policy than the American people. We talk about it here all the time in Washington, D.C., oftentimes in political terms, ideological terms, but it is the American people who are going to benefit from the results of LNG exports, whether it is along the Ohio River or all across America. This is a job creator. It is an opportunity creator. It strengthens our geopolitical ties. And we can't underestimate the strength of that geopolitical tie factor in what we are doing. We have countries like Russia that are using their energy resources to hammer other countries, to use it as a leverage point to force them into obedience. The last thing that we want is for countries in the Caribbean and Latin America to have to face going to Russia or other countries to get their energy resources when they could be getting those from us. Right here, this letter from Citizens for Responsible Energy Solutions says: ``On behalf of Citizens for Responsible Energy Solutions, CRES, I am writing in support of H.R. 4606, Ensuring Small Scale LNG Certainty and Access Act. CRES urges the House to pass this legislation.'' Madam Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. JOHNSON of Ohio

Mr. JOHNSON of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I thank Madam Chairwoman for recognizing me. Mr. Speaker, I represent rural eastern and southeastern Ohio, which is no stranger to the benefits of natural gas. It sits on top of the Utica and Marcellus shale plays, which have led to a growing interest in new and exciting manufacturing opportunities, like ethane cracker plants and ethane storage hubs. Those opportunities have become viable thanks to new technologies that have led to an increase in natural gas production. But that increased production has also been the result of the growing demand for excess U.S. natural gas. H.R. 4606, the Ensuring Small Scale LNG Certainty and Access Act, will help ensure the United States takes full advantage of our opportunities for excess small scale LNG exports, along with encouraging production opportunities here at home. Specifically, this bipartisan bill provides that applications under the Natural Gas Act for the importation or exportation of small volumes of natural gas, that being defined as 0.14 billion cubic feet per day, shall be granted without delay, but only if they do not require an environmental assessment under the National Environmental Policy Act. Despite the U.S. being the world's leading producer of oil and natural gas, American companies are unable to efficiently export small quantities of gas to neighboring countries. By reducing regulatory constraints and codifying a similar rule issued by the Department of Energy, H.R. 4606 will better allow our domestic providers the opportunity to provide a stable source of U.S. energy to countries currently reliant on Venezuelan fuel oil, which has been used to gain influence in countries in the Caribbean and Central and South America. This effort to increase U.S. energy opportunities within the region is not new, as the previous administration also sought to increase energy engagement through the creation of the Caribbean Energy Security Initiative. As many independent and DOE-commissioned studies have confirmed, the benefits of natural gas exports are clear. They are a net positive to our domestic economy, but that is not the only benefit. As Puerto Rico continues to rebuild after the devastating hurricane in 2017, increased shipments and availability of reliable U.S. natural gas can help the island meet its energy needs. Additionally, LNG exports can only serve to strengthen U.S. ties with countries throughout the region. With U.S. natural gas reserves as large as they are and with new technological advancements allowing our producers to access an increasing amount of natural gas each and every day, it is imperative that the U.S. take full advantage of this abundant resource and the economic benefits it provides here at home. H.R. 4606 is a step in that direction. It will strengthen U.S. geopolitical ties, increase job creation, and promote economic growth as a result. Mr. Speaker, I encourage everyone to vote for this rule and this commonsense underlying bill.

Mr. JOHNSON of Ohio

Mr. JOHNSON of Ohio. Madam Chair, I ask unanimous consent that the amendment be modified in the form I have placed at the desk.

Mr. JOHNSON of Ohio. I do have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. JOHNSON of Ohio. Madam Chairman, I ask unanimous consent that the amendment be modified in the form I have placed at the desk.

Mr. JOHNSON of Ohio. Amendment No. 17. Sixteen and 17 are being combined.

Mr. JOHNSON of Ohio. Madam Chair, I ask unanimous consent that amendment Nos. 16 and 17 be considered en bloc.

Mr. JOHNSON of Ohio. Madam Chair, I offer amendments en bloc.

Mr. JOHNSON of Ohio. Madam Chairman, I thank the Chair for consideration of combining these two amendments. The amendments before us today help restore and continue important grant funding that will provide level funding for the same number of States currently funded by the Abandoned Mine Land Reclamation Economic Development Pilot Program, which is used for the reclamation of abandoned mine lands in conjunction with economic and community development and reuse goals. These amendments are about ensuring the AML Economic Development Program continues to be appropriately funded and continues to afford the same grant opportunities to all currently eligible States. Similar amendments offered by Representative Griffith have passed the House in the last 2 years, and the Senate FY19 Interior & Environment Appropriations bill contains similar language and funding amounts. Funding for these economic reclamation grants was established in fiscal year 2016 by Chairman Rogers, and it provided opportunities for some of the hard-hit areas of Appalachia to not only restore the land, but also allow additional appropriated funds to be used for economic purposes, and they helped provide a way to prepare the land for community development. These amendments carry on that goal; they maintain the status quo. And let me stress the point: these amendments are not designed to take money away from the top three States receiving funding in the underlying bill. Our intent is that the first three States will continue to receive the amount currently appropriated in the underlying bill. The additional money provided with these amendments are meant for the next three States and is to be divided equally, so that the next three States receive $10 million each, the same amount they have received over the last 2 years. I have worked with the Appropriations Committee to ensure these amendments will do just that and that this additional support for one Appalachian community does not come at the expense of another. I urge my colleagues to support these important amendments. They are important to not only Ohio, but to the many States and coal communities throughout Appalachia. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. JOHNSON of Ohio. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from California (Mr. Calvert), chairman of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies.

Mr. JOHNSON of Ohio. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Griffith).

Mr. JOHNSON of Ohio. Mr. Chairman, I will close. I want to reaffirm what my colleague from West Virginia said. This is important for economic development in communities in Appalachia. It will have a significant impact on economic development work throughout the region, while being offset by only a slight reduction in EPA's environmental programs and management account, totaling only 1.21 percent of that account. So this is good legislation. It is a good bill for Appalachia, a good set of amendments for Appalachia. I urge my colleagues to support it. Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. JOHNSON of Ohio

Mr. JOHNSON of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall No. 304 and ``yea'' on rollcall No. 305.