Bill > HR381

This bill amends the Natural Gas Act to establish a more comprehensive and rigorous process for approving liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports from the United States. The bill requires the Secretary of Energy to conduct three detailed assessments before granting an export permit: a climate change assessment that examines the full lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions and potential impacts on clean energy alternatives, an economic assessment that evaluates potential price impacts on various consumer groups, and an environmental justice assessment that analyzes potential disproportionate burdens on vulnerable communities. The Secretary can only approve an LNG export permit if the proposed exportation will not significantly contribute to climate change, materially increase energy prices, or create undue harm to marginalized communities. The bill also mandates robust public participation in the review process, ensuring that affected communities have meaningful opportunities to provide input. Additionally, the legislation removes previous categorical exclusions that had simplified the export approval process and requires the Secretary of Energy to issue implementing rules within one year of the Act's enactment. The overall aim is to ensure that LNG exports are evaluated through a more holistic lens that considers long-term environmental and societal impacts, not just immediate economic considerations.

Business and Industry

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/381/all-info