An aerial view of the Israeli gas rig Tamar. Photo: Albatross Aerial photography/Nobel Energy/FLASH90.

JNS.org – A bipartisan bill passed by the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee—led by Sens. Mary Landrieu (D-LA), Ron Wyden (D-OR) and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK)—seeks the growth of U.S.-Israel energy ties.

The bill seeks to strengthen collaboration between the U.S. and Israel on energy development by encouraging increased cooperation in the two countries’ academic, business, governmental and other sectors.

“Today’s Senate vote is a huge step forward in our work to enhance the partnership between Israel and the US on energy production,” Landrieu said in a statement. “With the Gulf Coast’s unparalleled expertise in offshore oil and gas development, we are in a prime position to help our critical ally develop this resource.”

The International Energy Agency says the U.S. could become the world’s top producer of oil and natural gas within the decade. Meanwhile, Israel’s Leviathan and Tamar offshore natural gas fields may make Israel energy independent and a net exporter.