House LNG Export Bill Advances

The Subcommittee on Energy and Power today approved H.R. 6, the Domestic Prosperity and Global Freedom Act, by a vote of 15 to 11. Authored by Rep. Cory Gardner (R-Colo.), the legislation would cut through the red tape blocking exports of U.S. liquefied natural gas (LNG). H.R. 6 grants immediate approval of complete export applications currently filed with the Department of Energy and modifies the process moving forward to ensure exports to our allies are no longer subject to unnecessary delays.

The need for increased LNG exports has received considerable attention in the wake of the crisis in Ukraine and as Russia continues to leverage its energy resources against our allies. Exporting American natural gas would increase global competition, and passage of H.R. 6 would send an immediate and powerful signal to the world that U.S. gas will be an available alternative energy source. In addition to the geopolitical benefits, LNG exports would encourage domestic job creation and economic growth.

“This bill will help many of our allies and trading partners all over the world, while providing jobs and economic growth here at home. LNG exports can truly be both a foreign policy success story and an economic policy success story, and comes at a time we can use a heck of a lot more of both,” said Gardner.

Energy and Power Subcommittee Chairman Ed Whitfield (R-Ky.) said, “H.R. 6 greatly reduces the delays in the LNG application process and sends a clear message that America is going to be a participant in natural gas markets. And that would be very good news for the American economy and for our energy-importing friends around the world.”

“This bill is a win-win for jobs and for the message it sends to the world,” added full committee Chairman Fred Upton (R-Miss.).

house.gov