Re-introduction of ESCAPE Act by Sen. Barrasso seeks to provide allies with American energy, penalize Russian pipelines

As the Russian invasion of Ukraine stretches onward, U.S. Sen. John Barrasso (R-WY) sought a new means of hitting the former through its economy, reintroducing the Energy Security Cooperation with Allied Partners in Europe (ESCAPE) Act (S.548) last week.

ESCAPE seeks to pull North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) members, Japan, and other foreign allies from Russia’s orbit and dependence on its natural gas by quickly providing a source of reliable and dependable American energy. It would also mandate and enforce new sanctions on Russian energy export pipeline projects.

Energy has been a means of Russian reprisal throughout its war, cutting gas supplies to Europe in response to economic sanctions imposed by the West.

“In light of Russia’s year-long invasion of Ukraine, it is more important than ever to provide energy security to our allies in Europe,” Barrasso said. “Putin continues to use Europe’s dependence on Russian energy as a geopolitical weapon to coerce and pressure our allies. The ESCAPE Act takes away Putin’s leverage through expanding American natural gas exports. The United States can help our allies obtain reliable American energy and loosen Putin’s political grip on the region.”

At least 30 Republican senators signed on as co-sponsors to the bill. U.S. Rep. Carol Miller (R-WV) introduced companion legislation in the House.

As is, the legislation would require the U.S. permanent representative to NATO to work with member states to address their energy security, as well as for their partners in the European and Eurasian theaters. Further, it would push for a U.S.-led transatlantic energy strategy focused on bolstering energy security for NATO members and allies and increasing American energy exports accordingly. A follow-up report by the Secretary of State, in coordination with the Administrator of the U.S. Agency for International Development and the Secretary of Energy, would be required within 180 days for congressional committees covering that strategy.

“Energy security is national security, and focusing on the expansion of American energy exports will prevent NATO’s reliance on unreliable energy from our adversaries,” Miller said. “This legislation reaffirms our commitment to providing more efficient energy to our allies and secure our ability to be energy independent and dominant which will reduce fear and concerns over Europe’s dependence on Russian energy.”

Diversified energy sources, suppliers, and routes would be emphasized under this plan, while the opposition would increase to the Nord Stream 2 pipeline in particular and the development of Russian Federation pipelines in general.