Nashville Standard

United States Senator Bill Hagerty (R-TN) and Senator Tim Scott (R-SC) have introduced the Unlocking Domestic LNG Potential Act, a piece of legislation aimed at depoliticizing the export of American liquefied natural gas (LNG). The bill proposes eliminating the requirement for the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to authorize LNG exports and instead granting sole authority over the approval process to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC).

This move comes in response to President Biden's recent decision to pause the approval of pending applications for LNG exports, which has been viewed as a victory for both Vladimir Putin and far-left climate activists. Critics argue that the president's anti-energy stance undermines American energy independence and increases global reliance on countries like Russia.

Senator Hagerty expressed his concerns about President Biden's actions, stating, "Since the day he took office, President Biden has done everything he can to surrender our nation's energy independence. This is not only an economic issue but also a national security issue." He further emphasized the importance of preventing Biden from blocking exports, as it would allow America to supply clean LNG to allies while undermining adversaries.

Senator Scott echoed these sentiments, accusing President Biden of engaging in pure politics with his decision to halt American energy exports. He argued that exporting U.S. natural gas could actually lower global emissions and criticized the president for making the U.S. and its allies more reliant on foreign adversaries like Russia. Scott emphasized the need to unleash America's abundant natural resources, bolster energy independence, and safeguard national security.

The Unlocking Domestic LNG Potential Act aims to address these concerns by shifting authority over the approval process to the FERC. By eliminating the DOE's role in authorization, the bill seeks to streamline the export process and reduce political interference. The full text of the legislation can be found here.

This legislation is part of ongoing efforts to prioritize American energy independence and ensure a reliable and secure energy supply. It remains to be seen how the bill will progress through the legislative process and whether it will garner bipartisan support.

In conclusion, Senators Hagerty, Scott, and their colleagues have introduced the Unlocking Domestic LNG Potential Act, a bill aimed at depoliticizing the export of American liquefied natural gas. The senators argue that President Biden's decision to pause LNG exports undermines American energy independence and increases reliance on foreign adversaries. The proposed legislation seeks to grant sole authority over the approval process to the FERC, streamlining the export process and reducing political interference.