Lafayette Reporter

Senators John Kennedy (R-La.) and Tim Scott (R-S.C.) have introduced the Unlocking Domestic LNG Potential Act in an effort to allow the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to approve or deny applications for the export or import of liquified natural gas (LNG). Currently, the Department of Energy (DOE) holds the authority to approve or deny LNG exports, but under the Biden administration, there are concerns that American energy production is being politicized.

Kennedy expressed his concerns about the Biden administration's approach to American energy production, stating, "At every turn, the Biden administration yields to the demands of radical climate extremists—and it is putting America’s jobs and national security at risk. Louisiana and many other states rely on the clean energy that LNG provides. We can’t allow the president’s Department of Energy to further jeopardize economic and geopolitical stability with its disastrous permitting pauses."

Scott echoed these concerns and criticized President Biden's decision to halt American energy exports, calling it "pure politics." Scott argued that exporting U.S. natural gas would actually lower global emissions and accused President Biden of bowing to the far-left and making the U.S. and its allies more reliant on foreign adversaries like Russia. Scott emphasized his commitment to unleashing America's abundant natural resources to bolster energy independence and safeguard national security.

The Unlocking Domestic LNG Potential Act has gained support from several other senators, including Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), Bill Cassidy (R-La.), Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), and John Thune (R-S.D.) who have all cosponsored the legislation.

This move by Senators Kennedy and Scott comes after Kennedy's vow to block President Biden's nominees to the State Department and the Department of Energy until the administration stops its hostility towards LNG production. The senators have been urging the administration to reverse its decision to pause permitting for LNG export facilities in the U.S., citing a threat to the industry. Notably, Louisiana's Calcasieu Pass 2 project is among the 17 proposed LNG terminals affected by Biden's decision.

Kennedy had previously warned DOE Secretary Jennifer Graham about the burdensome permitting process in January 2021, before the Biden administration's decision to halt permitting for LNG export facilities. In April of the same year, Kennedy wrote an op-ed outlining how Louisiana's energy production could help meet the world's demand for LNG.

The full text of the Unlocking Domestic LNG Potential Act is available for review.

This legislation aims to address concerns about the politicization of American energy production under the Biden administration. Senators Kennedy and Scott, along with their cosponsors, are determined to ensure economic and geopolitical stability by unlocking the potential of the LNG industry. The bill's introduction reflects their commitment to bolstering energy independence and safeguarding national security.