Cramer: The Nat Gas Conundrum

(Click for video linked to a searchable transcript of this Mad Money segment)

What are we going to do with all of the new found natural gas that we have in this country, mused Cramer.

Largely the Mad Money host believes the discovery of nat gas deposits all over the nations could spark an energy revolution in North America.

But how will that energy be used?

"Some advocates suggest selling it overseas. "Foreigners will pay top dollar because nat gas prices are much higher in Europe and Asia," Cramer explained.

The promise of exports has been among the catalysts that sent shares of Cheniere Energy sharply higher. In one year shares have gained over 130%.

"Cheniere Energy is the first and only company that's gotten full U.S. government approval to build a facility and export liquefied natural gas to non-trade-agreement countries," Cramer said.

Posteriori | E+ | Getty Images

"Right now Cheniere is building an LNG export terminal in Louisiana, although it's not expected to be up and running until a couple of years from now. The company is also waiting on government approval for a second LNG export facility near Corpus Christi, Texas. They should hear within the next twelve months," Cramer added.

The potential business and resulting profits would seem to be enormous, however, a conversation is underway which could change the landscape dramatically.

Rather than export large amounts of nat gas, some people are calling for the government to mandate that the lion's share to remain inside the US.

--------------------------------------------------------
Read More from Mad Money with Jim Cramer
Amid Sell-Off Here's What to Buy
Cramer Wowed By Tesla Test Drive
Cramer's Cancer Fighting Biotech
--------------------------------------------------------

People such as Dan DiMicco, chairman of Nucor, contend that if government approves too many export facilities, it could crush the opportunity to break free of our dependence on energy from the Middle East.

DiMicco and others prefer to see nat gas remain in the US, used as fuel for cars, trucks, trains and more.

"An unlimited export policy that sends large amounts of our domestic natural gas resources overseas would put this economic opportunity and its benefits at risk. Nothing less than our nation's energy security, its manufacturing base, and a chance for up to 5 million jobs are at stake," DiMicco said.

What do you think? We want to know!

Vote

Vote to see results

Total Votes:

Not a Scientific Survey. Results may not total 100% due to rounding.

Call Cramer: 1-800-743-CNBC

Questions for Cramer? [e-mail]

Questions, comments, suggestions for the "Mad Money" website? [e-mail]