U.S. House Passes Resolution Opposing Russian Gas Pipeline

The U.S. House of Representatives approved a largely symbolic resolution expressing opposition to Gazprom PJSC’s $11 billion Nord Stream 2 natural gas pipeline, on concerns that the project will boost the Kremlin’s control over Europe’s energy supplies.

The bipartisan bill finds that the pipeline is a “drastic step backwards for European energy security and United States interests,” and calls for European governments to reject the project. The measure also urges President Donald Trump to “use all available means to support European energy security.”

While the resolution is non-binding, it highlights growing Congressional opposition to the Russian project. The Trump administration is reviewing potential sanctions against the European companies involved. The pipeline, which would send Russian gas to Germany, has financing agreements with Engie SA and Royal Dutch Shell Plc, among others.

“Doing business with Nord Stream 2 is not consistent with shared transatlantic values,” U.S. Assistant Secretary for Energy Resources Francis Fannon said on a conference call earlier in the day.

The pipeline is one of several Russian projects that would circumvent Ukraine and give the world’s top gas producer direct access to its biggest European markets.

Trump last year signed a law giving him the right to sanction companies involved in Nord Stream 2, arguing it would make Germany “captive” to Moscow. In response, Moscow said Trump’s attacks were an attempt to promote U.S. liquefied natural gas in Europe.