* Debate grows on how much LNG US should export * Analysis on LNG exports had been expected this month * Delay pushes back 7 applications for LNG exports By Timothy Gardner WASHINGTON, March 23 (Reuters) - The Energy Departmentis delaying the release of a study on liquefied natural gasexports until late summer, which will push back its decisionson about seven applications to export the fuel, a spokeswomansaid on Friday. The Obama Administration has been awaiting for the report soit can have an in-depth analysis on how to proceed on demands byenergy companies to export natural gas as prices fall to 10-yearlows on a widening glut of the resource. The delay is due to a third-party contractor needing moretime to go through its models on the impact of exporting natural gas would have on the U.S. economy, the DOE spokeswoman said. "Once we have those results we will take the time to reviewthem and develop the path forward," she said, adding there wasno timeline for the decisions. As energy companies unlock vast new U.S. natural gassupplies with techniques including hydraulic fracturing, adebate has grown on the merits of exporting the bounty. Exportscould bring money into the economy and create new jobs, but somelawmakers worry exports could spike the price of fuel for U.S.homeowners and businesses. Some chemical and other companies have begun to relocate tothe United States on the promise of low natural gas prices, atrend the lawmakers say could slow if fuel prices risedramatically. The DOE is allowed to quickly approve applications to exportgas to South Korea, Chile and more than a dozen other countriesthat have free-trade agreements with the United States. The U.S.-South Korea free trade agreement took effect onMarch 15, though the political opposition in Seoul has vowed torenegotiate it if they win elections this year. But applications for exports to countries that do not havefree trade agreements with Washington require a more thoroughprocess. The DOE has approved one export application from CheniereEnergy for its Sabine Pass terminal in Louisiana. Aboutseven other companies including Southern, BG, andSempra have also requested permission to export tocountries without free trade agreements. The spokeswoman said the DOE would open up a public commentperiod after it releases the analysis but could not say how longthat would take. (Reporting By Timothy Gardner)