Unlocking Domestic LNG Potential

Full Title:
Unlocking Domestic LNG Potential Act of 2025

Summary#

This bill changes part of the Natural Gas Act. It gives the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) the exclusive authority to approve or deny applications to site, build, expand, or operate facilities that export or import natural gas, including LNG terminals. The bill directs FERC to deem the importation or exportation of natural gas to be consistent with the public interest when deciding those applications. The bill also says the changes do not affect other federal agencies' existing authorities unless the bill specifically says so.

The bill adds a rule of construction that preserves the President's existing authority to prohibit imports or exports under certain laws. It defines "state sponsor of terrorism" by reference to several statutes and lists laws under which the President may act, including the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, the National Emergencies Act, part B of the Energy Policy and Conservation Act, the Trading with the Enemy Act, and other sanctions authorities.

What it means for you#

  • Companies that want to site, build, expand, or operate LNG terminals or other natural gas export/import facilities would apply to FERC. FERC would have the exclusive power to approve or deny those applications.
  • Federal agencies retain other legal authorities they already have unless this bill specifically removes them.
  • The President would still be able to prohibit imports or exports under the named emergency and sanctions laws listed in the bill.
  • The bill's title and section heading indicate an intent to increase U.S. LNG export/import activity and global leadership in energy.

Expenses#

No publicly available information.

Proponents' View#

The bill's short title is "Unlocking Domestic LNG Potential Act of 2025," and one section heading is "Advancing United States Global Leadership." The bill directs FERC to treat natural gas imports and exports as consistent with the public interest when reviewing applications. These elements in the text state the sponsors' intent to expand LNG export/import activity and place decision authority with FERC.

Opponents' View#

No publicly available information.