National Taxpayers Union urges all representatives to vote “YES” on H.R. 1949, the “Unlocking our Domestic LNG Potential Act” authored by Rep. Pfluger (R-TX). This legislation would repeal unnecessary restrictions imposed on the export and import of natural gas, helping to propel America’s energy leadership into the future.
Allies and trading partners around the world rely on clean, reliable, and affordable U.S. natural gas for energy and economic security, and to advance environmental progress through emission reductions. The previous administration embraced a completely backward energy policy that sought to kneecap America’s fossil fuel industry. This included a new tax on natural gas, a permitting pause for new and pending liquefied natural gas (LNG) export projects, and a ban on resource extraction on federal lands.
Under current law, exports to U.S. free-trade partners are automatically deemed to be in the public interest. H.R. 1949 would expand this process to encompass other U.S. friends and allies. Deeming the exportation or importation of LNG to be in the public interest would reduce the opportunity for political abuse of dubious “public interest” objections to block LNG trade. It would also place the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission in charge of all LNG export permitting in the United States. Removing DOE from part of the approval process will help to ensure that political hostility will not interfere with energy supplies.
While President Trump has made significant efforts to reverse the damage that has been done, it is imperative that we insulate LNG exports from damaging policies that could be implemented by future administrations. Expanding export capacity will reinforce America’s energy independence while maintaining a strong trading relationship with our allies across the world.
The economic benefits of LNG exports are clear. Increased exports have created thousands of high-paying jobs, spurred infrastructure investment in communities across the country, and generated significant federal and state revenues. Moreover, U.S. LNG is among the cleanest in the world. Allowing more exports of American natural gas can help reduce global greenhouse gas emissions by displacing higher-emitting coal and oil used for power generation overseas.
Roll call votes on this legislation will be included in NTU’s annual rating of Congress and “YES” votes will be considered the pro-taxpayer position.
If you have any questions, please contact NTU’s Senior Director of Government Affairs Thomas Aiello at Taiello@ntu.org
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