Gas strike on Russia: US adopts bill against Nord Stream 2
Its initiators accused Russia of using energy as a weapon.
Палата представителей США одобрила законопроект, направленный против строительства российского газопровода «Северный поток-2», в котором США усматривают угрозу энергетической независимости Европы, пишет «Voice of America«.
The document, developed by Democratic Congressmen Adam Kinzinger and Bill Keating, should help the United States, Europe and Eurasia strengthen global energy security and at the same time support the diversification of energy sources and their supply routes.
The “Act in support of European energy security and diversification” was adopted by 391 with a voice “for” with 24 “against”.
The bill calls on the US government to take measures to reduce the dependence of countries in the European region on Russian energy resources, to increase competition in the market, to assist US companies that invest in European energy infrastructure, and to increase exports of technology and energy resources to Europe.
“I am glad to have witnessed such operational actions on this bill, and proudly joined my colleagues who today voted for its approval,” said Kinzinger after the vote.
“The Russian Federation, led by Vladimir Putin, has long been using energy as a weapon to coerce and manipulate European countries,” he added. “As energy production in the United States grows, we have an excellent opportunity to support our allies and provide an alternative to the positions on which Russia has established itself in terms of energy sources.”
Kinzinger called the bill "a big step forward in improving global energy security."
“Russia has long turned its control over energy in Europe into a weapon,” said Congressman Keating. “Faced with the growing threats to our security and the security of our allies, we must unite as a strong and united coalition.”
He noted that the bill will help strengthen cooperation between the EU and the US and private investment.
The Senate has not yet voted on this bill, but it is considering a similar bill submitted by senators from both parties, including Ron Johnson, Jean Sahin, Marco Rubio and Ben Cardin.
The pipeline, owned by the Russian energy company Gazprom, has been at the center of international attention since Russia was in 2014. annexed Crimea. Germany is trying to convince other countries to support the project.
However, the administration of President Donald Trump opposes the construction of the pipeline.
Opinions of EU countries divided
Eastern European, Scandinavian and Baltic countries are worried that Nord Stream 2 will make Europe hostage to Moscow, while the Nordic countries, especially Germany, are focusing on economic benefits.
Nord Stream 2 is one of several Russian projects to provide direct access to the world's leading European gas producer to its largest European markets, bypassing Ukraine.
Last year, US President Donald Trump signed a law giving him the right to impose sanctions on companies participating in the project, arguing that Germany could become a “captive” of Moscow.
In response, Moscow called the Trump attacks an attempt to promote US liquefied natural gas in Europe.
At the end of last year, the US House of Representatives approved a resolution against the construction of the Russian Nord Stream-2 gas pipeline worth 11 billion dollars due to concerns that this project would strengthen the Kremlin’s control over energy supplies to Europe.
The resolution, supported by legislators from both parties, said that the pipeline is "a radical step backwards for Europe's energy security and US interests."
The document called on European governments to refuse to participate in the project and also called on President Trump to “use all available means to support European energy security.”
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