U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R) and John Fetterman (D-PA) have introduced the LNG Export Security Act, bipartisan legislation aimed at preventing future administrations from restricting liquified natural gas (LNG) exports through broad interpretations of existing federal law.
The bill would amend the Natural Gas Act by defining the term "public interest," which lawmakers say has been left too vague under current law. According to the senators, clarifying the definition would provide greater certainty for American energy producers and reduce the possibility of future export pauses.
"America's energy producers shouldn't work in fear that a future administration could kneecap them with burdensome restrictions at a moment's notice due to ambiguous laws," said Sen. Cornyn. "Our commonsense legislation would clarify the Natural Gas Act to give LNG producers the certainty they need and deserve to continue powering the world.
Sen. Fetterman emphasized the role LNG production plays in energy independence and job creation, particularly in Pennsylvania.
"LNG has played a critical role in promoting America's energy independence and global leadership. That kind of energy dominance starts in Pennsylvania," said Fetterman. "I've been proud to advocate for solutions that put American jobs first and fully recognize we need guardrails in place to protect the industry and the workers."
The legislation follows controversy surrounding a 2023 decision by the Biden Department of Energy to pause approvals for new LNG exports to countries without free-trade agreements. Supporters of the bill argue that the pause relied on an unclear interpretation of "public interest" within the Natural Gas Act.
Under the proposed legislation, the definition of "public interest" would specifically include consideration of domestic natural gas development, economic interests, and national security concerns.
The LNG Export Security Act highlights continued debate in Washington over energy policy, LNG exports, and federal regulatory authority, as lawmakers seek to balance energy production, economic growth, and long-term national security interests.
The LNG Export Security Act has received endorsements from the American Exploration & Production Council and the Center for LNG.
