The debate over whether it would be good for the economy to allow expanding the export of natural gas is both a hot topic and one which is very difficult to fully answer. While companies, including Chesapeake Energy (CHKA.Q) and Exxon-Mobil (XOM -0.32%), would certainly benefit from the export of natural gas, others, including Dow Chemical (DOW) and Alcoa (AA), claim that they would be hurt by rising energy costs. These higher costs would be passed on to consumers and could actually hurt the economy.
In the video below, Fool.com contributor Doug Ehrman discusses the pros and cons of natural gas exporting and looks at the relative effects of the companies above and the economy as a whole.
