WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Andy Barr (KY-06) introduced H.R.4818, the Protecting Europe’s Energy Security Act of 2019, to impose sanctions on entities involved in the construction of the Nord Stream 2 natural gas pipeline—a project being supported by Russia to spread its malign influence into Europe.
“The energy security of our European partners and allies has been a longstanding strategic priority for the United States. The Protecting Europe’s Energy Security Act of 2019 (PEESA) would work to stop the construction of the Nord Stream 2 pipeline and ensure Russia does not continue to undermine the energy security of our NATO allies in Europe,” said Congressman Barr. “The Nord Stream 2 pipeline is not a commercial project, but rather a political tool that seeks to deepen European dependence on Russian energy resources.”
H.R.4818 would impose sanctions targeting pipe-laying vessels and foreign entities essential to the construction of the Nord Stream 2 pipeline in the Baltic Sea. This bill denies entry into the U.S. to individuals who provided assistance to Nord Stream 2 pipe-laying vessels used for certain Russian energy exports. Additionally, it would give the President the authority to impose sanctions on entities providing financial services and insurance to pipe-laying companies supporting certain Russian energy exports. PEESA also tasks the Administration with developing a strategy to improve the national and regional energy security of U.S. allies in Europe.
H.R. 4818 is cosponsored by Rep. Garret Graves (LA-06), Rep. John Shimkus (IL-15), Rep. Greg Murphy (NC-3), Rep. Jim Hagedorn (MN-1), Rep. Paul Mitchell (MI-10), and Rep. Bill Huizenga (MI-02) and is the House companion to S. 1441.