(WO) — A bipartisan group of U.S. senators has introduced legislation aimed at preventing future presidential administrations from pausing or delaying liquefied natural gas (LNG) export approvals, drawing support from oil and gas industry organizations and energy workforce groups.
U.S. Senator John Cornyn
The proposed LNG Export Security Act, introduced by Senators John Cornyn and John Fetterman, would amend the Natural Gas Act to strengthen protections for LNG export permitting and limit the ability of future administrations to halt approvals on broader policy grounds.
The legislation follows the Biden administration’s 2024 decision to pause approvals for new LNG export permits while federal agencies reviewed economic and climate-related impacts, a move that was later challenged in court and widely criticized across the energy sector.
According to the bill’s sponsors, the measure would clarify the definition of “public interest” under the Natural Gas Act by requiring consideration of domestic natural gas infrastructure, economic growth, energy supply and national security impacts during LNG export reviews.
Senator Cornyn said the bill is intended to provide greater regulatory certainty for U.S. energy producers and LNG infrastructure developers.
Industry organizations including the Texas Independent Producers & Royalty Owners Association and the Energy Workforce & Technology Council voiced support for the legislation, arguing that permitting uncertainty threatens investment across the natural gas value chain.
“The United States remains committed to responsible energy development and global energy leadership,” said EWTC President Tim Tarpley. “America’s LNG industry supports high-paying jobs, strengthens our supply chains, and reinforces U.S. energy and national security around the world.”
TIPRO President Ed Longanecker said the legislation would help reduce regulatory uncertainty while supporting continued investment in natural gas production, pipelines and LNG export infrastructure.
The bill also aligns with several other recent congressional efforts aimed at expanding LNG export capacity and streamlining federal permitting processes as global demand for U.S. natural gas remains elevated amid continued geopolitical instability and supply concerns.
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