LNG Public Interest Determination Act of 2025
LNG Public Interest Determination Act of 2025
Plain Language Summary
# LNG Public Interest Determination Act of 2025 Summary **What the bill would do:** This bill would change how the U.S. government approves natural gas exports, particularly liquefied natural gas (LNG). Currently, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) handles these approvals. The bill would shift this responsibility to the Department of Energy (DOE) and add stricter requirements before approvals are granted.
Before DOE could approve any natural gas export, it would need to verify that the export wouldn't significantly worsen climate change, wouldn't substantially raise energy costs for American consumers, and wouldn't unfairly harm rural, low-income, minority, or other vulnerable communities. **Who it affects:** Natural gas companies seeking to export LNG would face a new approval process with additional environmental and economic safeguards. American consumers and communities—particularly those already facing environmental or economic challenges—could potentially benefit from protections against price increases and pollution burdens. The bill also classifies these decisions as "major federal acts," which would likely increase public scrutiny and opportunities for input on export approvals. **Current status:** The bill was introduced in the 119th Congress and is currently in committee, meaning it hasn't advanced to a full floor vote yet.
CRS Official Summary
LNG Public Interest Determination Act of 2025This bill modifies and expands requirements for exporting natural gas, including liquefied natural gas (LNG).Under the existing provisions of the Natural Gas Act, exporters of natural gas must obtain authorization to make such exports from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). Additionally, FERC must authorize such exports if they are consistent with the public interest.The bill directs exporters of natural gas to obtain authorization from the Department of Energy (DOE) rather than from FERC. Before granting an authorization, DOE must determine that the export would not likely (1) contribute significantly to climate change; (2) materially increase energy prices or energy price volatility for U.S. consumers; or (3) create a disproportionate health or environmental burden on rural, low-income, minority, and other vulnerable communities.The bill also classifies an authorization of the exportation of natural gas as a major federal action that triggers the environmental review process required under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA).Additionally, the bill terminates the categorical exclusion for exports of natural gas, and any associated transportation of LNG by marine vessels, from NEPA environmental review requirements. A categorical exclusion is a class of actions that a federal agency has determined do not significantly affect the quality of the human environment and, thus, do not require either an environmental assessment nor an environmental impact statement.
Latest Action
Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.