WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) has introduced H.R. 3367, to remove barriers placed on U.S. exporters so they can quickly access the market and meet the global demand of natural gas. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) is sponsoring the License Natural Gas Now Act, which is the Senate version of the bill.
The LNG Now Act would revamp the current system created by the Department of Energy (DOE), guaranteeing acceptance of export volume applications and establishing market growth of U.S. exports without burdensome delays. Currently, dated restrictions have stalled new project development and logjammed export volume applications processing at DOE.
“The United States is on the cusp of becoming a net exporter for the first time in history, and natural gas is leading the way,” said Rep. Higgins. “Southwest Louisiana is the epicenter of this energy revolution. Our legislation rolls back red tape and unleashes America’s energy potential for the first time in nearly a decade, which means jobs and economic growth for our communities. I’m very glad to be working with Senator Cassidy on this critical endeavor.”
“The previous administration created hurdles that stalled LNG projects that benefit the economy, environment and Louisiana workers,” said Dr. Cassidy. “This legislation adds certainty to the approval process and brings investment and better-paying jobs to Louisiana.”
The United States has been exporting natural gas for nearly 100 years, but only recently has the idea of becoming a net exporter seemed plausible.
The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) estimates there are 2,474 trillion cubic feet of technically recoverable natural gas in the United States. With the growth of the U.S. LNG market, the United States has the opportunity to fill the expected 4-5% annual LNG global demand growth in coming years.
The bill preserves the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission LNG Export facility process and the Administration’s ability to limit net trade during national emergencies or as sanctions against nations unfriendly to the United States.
The legislation has been publicly endorsed by the following organizations:
- American Petroleum Institute
- Center for Liquefied Natural Gas
- G2 LNG
- LNG Allies
- Natural Gas Supply Association
“The Center for Liquefied Natural Gas welcomes any measures of support or creation of opportunity for U.S. LNG. The U.S. LNG industry is in the midst of a critical opportunity that would cement the U.S. as a global energy superpower and certainty is key. We commend Senator Cassidy and Congressman Higgins for their efforts and for their support of LNG and look forward to working with them in the future on this legislation and other LNG related issues,” said Charlie Riedl, Executive Director of the Center for Liquefied Natural Gas.
“I want to thank Senator Cassidy and Congressman Higgins for introducing the ‘LNG Now Act of 2017.’ This legislation will streamline and focus the permitting process of exporting LNG from the United States. It also signals to potential customers and global investors alike that the U.S. government strongly supports the development of this abundant, cleaner, greener, lower-cost natural resource. Thousands of jobs and millions of new tax revenues to local, state and federal governments stand to be created. The State of Louisiana is at the forefront of this exciting opportunity, which includes G2 LNG in Cameron Parish. With the help of the ‘LNG Now Act of 2017,’ we stand ready to play an important role in the energy and economic security of our country for decades to come,” said Thomas H. Hudson, CEO of G2 LNG.
“LNG Allies, a trade association of U.S. liquefied natural gas (LNG) exporters, commends Sen. Bill Cassidy and Rep. Clay Higgins for introducing the LNG Now Act of 2017 and reframing the congressional discussion about what a modernized LNG exports legal framework should look like. While the United States has a strong and transparent regulatory process for the approval of LNG export terminals, there is no question that this process is expensive and time-consuming. Thus, LNG Allies supports measures—such as the LNG Now Act—that would lessen the time and expense of securing LNG project authorizations,” said LNG Allies.
“The Natural Gas Supply Association is pleased to work with Senator Cassidy and Congressman Higgins in growing opportunities for US natural gas both domestically and abroad. Opportunities for certainty in every aspect of natural gas policy are always beneficial for both producers and consumers and we look forward to working with policymakers to ensure a legislative and regulatory framework that works for industry, the consumer, and the public at large,” said Dena Wiggins, President and CEO of the Natural Gas Supply Association.
