WASHINGTON, D.C. — A bipartisan Senate proposal backed by John Fetterman aims to limit future administrations from halting or restricting liquefied natural gas exports by redefining how the federal government determines whether those projects serve the “public interest.”
What This Means for You
- The bill would make it harder for future administrations to pause LNG export approvals.
- Pennsylvania’s natural gas industry could gain more regulatory certainty for long-term investments.
- Supporters say the proposal protects energy jobs and national energy security.
Fetterman and John Cornyn introduced the LNG Export Security Act this week, seeking to amend the Natural Gas Act, the federal law governing interstate natural gas transportation and export approvals.
Under current law, the U.S. Department of Energy reviews whether liquefied natural gas export projects are consistent with the “public interest,” a broad legal standard that gives presidential administrations significant discretion in approving or delaying projects.
The proposed legislation would narrow and clarify that standard by requiring federal officials to consider three specific factors when reviewing LNG export decisions:
- Development of U.S. natural gas facilities and domestic supply
- Domestic economic interests
- National security interests
Liquefied natural gas, commonly called LNG, is natural gas cooled into a liquid form so it can be shipped overseas by tanker.
Response to Biden-Era Export Pause
The legislation follows backlash from energy-producing states after the Joe Biden administration paused approvals for certain new LNG export projects in 2024 while federal agencies reviewed environmental, economic, and climate impacts.
At the time, Fetterman publicly criticized the pause, arguing it could threaten jobs tied to Pennsylvania’s natural gas industry. Pennsylvania is the nation’s second-largest natural gas-producing state behind Texas.
“LNG has played a critical role in promoting America’s energy independence and global leadership. That kind of energy dominance starts in Pennsylvania,” Fetterman said in a statement announcing the bill.
He added that the proposal would ensure decisions are made “objectively” while protecting jobs connected to the energy industry.
Cornyn said the legislation is intended to prevent future administrations from imposing abrupt restrictions based on what he described as unclear statutory language.
“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,” Cornyn said.
Industry Support and Economic Stakes
The measure has received support from the American Exploration & Production Council and the Center for LNG, both major industry groups representing oil and natural gas producers.
Supporters of LNG expansion argue that export growth strengthens U.S. energy influence abroad, supports domestic drilling and pipeline infrastructure, and preserves high-paying energy jobs.
Critics of expanded LNG production have previously argued that additional exports can increase domestic energy prices and contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, though those concerns were not addressed in the announcement released by the senators.
Next Steps
The bill would need approval from both chambers of Congress before reaching the president’s desk.
If enacted, the legislation would revise the legal framework federal agencies use when evaluating LNG export applications, potentially limiting the scope of future pauses or restrictions tied to broader climate or environmental policy reviews.
Support the local news that supports Chester County. MyChesCo delivers reliable, fact-based reporting and essential community resources—free for everyone. If you value that, click here to become a patron today.