Should liquefied natural gas (LNG) trade be easier?

Environment and Energy National Security and Defense
Unlocking our Domestic LNG Potential Act (H.R.1949)
This bill has Passed the House of Representatives
Bill Summary

The Unlocking our Domestic LNG Potential Act makes it easier for the United States to export and import natural gas, including liquefied natural gas (LNG). It gives the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) exclusive authority to approve or deny applications for building, expanding, or operating natural gas export or import facilities. The law does not limit the President’s ability to restrict trade with certain countries or enforce sanctions, including countries designated as state sponsors of terrorism. Sponsor: Rep. August Pfluger (Republican, Texas, District 11)
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Opponents say

•        "On behalf of our member companies, the Industrial Energy Consumers of America

(IECA) strongly oppose H.R. 1949, the Unlocking our Domestic LNG Potential Act of

2025. H.R. 1949 is anti-consumer and inconsistent with the intent of Congress to deliver affordable and reliable natural gas and electricity. The stakes are high. For every one dollar increase in the Henry Hub natural gas price, consumers pay on average $34 billion more for natural gas and $20 billion more for electricity, or $54 billion annually.1 One hundred percent of our member companies are from the

manufacturing sector." Source: Paul N. Cicio, President and CEO of IECA,  in a letter of opposition written on behalf of the Industrial Energy Consumers of America


•      "Finally, the majority's report notes that "The Committee finds that free trade, open markets, and competition have contributed to the rise of the U.S. as a global energy superpower. The Committee expects that lifting restrictions on  the import and export of natural gas would contribute to net economic benefits, increased natural gas production, and  improved energy security and national security for the American  people and partners around the world.'' Yet, the Trump Administration has imposed a ten percent tariff on imports of natural gas from Canada and Mexico that is increasing costs on  American families in the Northeast and Northwest.\8\ Committee Democrats have pushed back against the Administration's illegal efforts to increase prices on Americans. Republicans should  start to do the same." Source: Rep. Frank Pallone Jr. (Democrat, New Jersey, District 6) 

Proponents say

•    "My legislation is simple. The Unlocking Our Domestic LNG Potential Act would ensure that a ban is never placed on U.S. LNG exports again. By removing DOE from the process, export restrictions would be repealed, and LNG exports would have equal treatment with other commodities. LNG exports unequivocally benefit our economy, domestic prices, our security, and partners and allies around the world that want our product. Congress needs to act to remove the politics from these exports, just as this committee did when it lifted the crude oil export ban in 2015. The IEA expects global gas demand to reach record highs in the coming years, underscoring the need for new LNG supply. It must be the United States, not Iran, not Russia, not any other adversary, who meets this demand and supplies affordable, clean, and abundant LNG to the world. I urge my colleagues to support this very commonsense legislation and to vote in favor of H.R. 1949. I yield back." Source: Rep. August Pfluger (Republican, Texas, District 11) 


•    "American national security starts with American energy dominance. This legislation to streamline the permitting process for LNG export terminals is a critical step in implementing President Trump’s America First energy agenda so foreign customers don’t turn to other suppliers, including our adversaries. It’s past time we unleash American energy as we work to deliver affordable, reliable energy to hardworking Americans" Source: Sen. Katie Britt (Republican, Alabama) 


•    "Unlocking American energy production not only plays a vital role in safeguarding our national security, but is the path to lowering energy costs for families across the nation. Relying on bad actors undoubtedly puts America last, not first. With President Trump back in office, we will be energy independent and dominate once again." Source: Sen. Tim Scott (Republican, South Carolina) 

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