Bill would reduce barriers on exporters of LNG

A group of Republican senators introduced a bill to remove barriers on U.S. exporters of liquified natural gas (LNG) to so they can access the market more quickly.

The License Natural Gas (LNG) Now Act – introduced by U.S. Sens. Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Bill Cassidy, MD (R-LA), John Kennedy (R-LA), and Rep. Clay Higgins (R-LA) — would remove restrictions on the exportation and importation of natural gas.

“I’m always working to grow West Virginia’s energy industry,” Capito said. “This legislation would expand international markets for natural gas produced in West Virginia while supporting American foreign policy and reducing our allies’ dependence on hostile sources of energy, like Russia and Iran.” 

The legislation would also require the secretary of energy to submit a report to Congress on what actions could be taken by the U.S. government to foster increased exportation of natural gas. Further, it would require the secretary of energy to submit a report to Congress that identifies current regulations that inhibit the growth of the U.S natural gas market. In addition, it would retain the DOE’s management and record-keeping responsibilities as well as the administration’s ability to limit export or import of natural gas during national emergencies or disasters. It would also keep the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) LNG Export facility process intact.