WASHINGTON, D.C. — As first reported in The Daily Caller, Rep. August Pfluger (R-TX) and Senator Tim Scott (R-SC) introduced bicameral legislation to slash red tape and remove burdensome energy export restrictions imposed by former President Biden. The Unlocking Domestic LNG Potential Act depoliticizes the export of American liquefied natural gas (LNG) by eliminating the requirement for the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to authorize its export and instead giving the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) sole authority over the approval process.

During the Biden-era energy crisis, the administration made an ill-advised decision to halt the approval process for LNG exports, halting America’s then-booming natural gas exports. 

“President Biden spent four years pandering to progressive climate extremists and restricted future energy exports instead of unleashing American energy production to provide our allies with a secure, affordable energy source. We finally have a President back in office who understands that having efficient, reliable, and affordable energy is the key to U.S. national security,” said Rep. Pfluger. “This legislation cuts the red tape by removing the Department of Energy’s export authorization requirement and streamlining the permitting process. Energy security is national security, and I thank Senator Scott for leading this bill in the Senate and look forward to pushing for its passage in both chambers.”

“Unlocking American energy production not only plays a vital role in safeguarding our national security, but is the path to lowering energy costs for families across the nation,” said Senator Scott. “Relying on bad actors undoubtedly puts America last, not first. With President Trump back in office, we will be energy independent and dominate once again.”

Rep. Pfluger and Senator Scott's bill is co-sponsored by Representatives John Joyce (PA-13), Julia Letlow (LA-05), Victoria Spartz (IN-05), Dan Crenshaw (TX-02), Lauren Boebert (CO-04), Stephanie Bice (OK-05), Roger Williams (TX-25), Troy Balderson (OH-12), Craig Goldman (TX-12), Randy Weber (TX-14), Jodey Arrington (TX-19), Dan Newhouse (WA-04), Jake Ellzey (TX-06), Pete Sessions (TX-32), Brian Babin (TX-36), John Carter (TX-31), and Clay Higgins (LA-03) and Senators Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), Ted Budd (R-NC), Katie Britt (R-AL), and Rick Scott (R-FL).

Text of this legislation is available here.

This legislation is supported by several American Energy Groups who applauded Rep. Pfluger's leadership on this legislation, including the American Exploration and Production Council and the American Petroleum Institute.

“It is essential that America remains the world leader in LNG exports because it strengthens our economy and our security. AXPC applauds Rep. August Pfluger’s leadership on this important legislation because it would rightly ensure that US LNG export approvals do not become a political football from administration to administration,” said Parker D. Kasmer, Vice President of Government Affairs, American Exploration & Production Council.

"U.S. LNG exports strengthen our economy, support jobs here at home, and send a signal of American geopolitical strength and stability. We thank Rep. Pfluger for recognizing the clear benefits of U.S. LNG, and we look forward to working with Congress and the Trump administration to ensure the open access of American energy for our allies around the world," said API Executive Vice President and Chief Advocacy Officer Amanda Eversole.