Unlocking our Domestic LNG Potential Act of 2024
This bill repeals certain restrictions on the import and export of natural gas under the Natural Gas Act, including requirements for Department of Energy (DOE) approval and related provisions that address free trade agreements.
In addition, the bill grants the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) the exclusive authority to approve or deny applications to authorize the siting, construction, expansion, or operation of facilities (e.g., liquefied natural gas terminals) to export natural gas to foreign countries or import natural gas from foreign countries. (Currently, DOE authorizes the export or import of natural gas, and FERC authorizes related facilities.)
In determining whether to approve or deny an application, FERC must deem the exportation or importation of natural gas to be consistent with the public interest.
[Congressional Bills 118th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 7176 Introduced in House (IH)]
<DOC>
118th CONGRESS
2d Session
H. R. 7176
To repeal restrictions on the export and import of natural gas.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
January 31, 2024
Mr. Pfluger introduced the following bill; which was referred to the
Committee on Energy and Commerce
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To repeal restrictions on the export and import of natural gas.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Unlocking our Domestic LNG Potential
Act of 2024''.
SEC. 2. ADVANCING UNITED STATES GLOBAL LEADERSHIP.
Section 3 of the Natural Gas Act (15 U.S.C. 717b) is amended--
(1) by striking subsections (a) through (c);
(2) by redesignating subsections (e) and (f) as subsections
(a) and (b), respectively;
(3) by redesignating subsection (d) as subsection (c), and
moving such subsection after subsection (b), as so
redesignated;
(4) in subsection (a), as so redesignated, by amending
paragraph (1) to read as follows: ``(1) The Federal Energy
Regulatory Commission (in this subsection referred to as the
`Commission') shall have the exclusive authority to approve or
deny an application for authorization for the siting,
construction, expansion, or operation of a facility to export
natural gas from the United States to a foreign country or
import natural gas from a foreign country, including an LNG
terminal. In determining whether to approve or deny an
application under this paragraph, the Commission shall deem the
exportation or importation of natural gas to be consistent with
the public interest. Except as specifically provided in this
Act, nothing in this Act is intended to affect otherwise
applicable law related to any Federal agency's authorities or
responsibilities related to facilities to import or export
natural gas, including LNG terminals.''; and
(5) by adding at the end the following new subsection:
``(d)(1) Nothing in this Act limits the authority of the President
under the Constitution, the International Emergency Economic Powers Act
(50 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.), the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1601
et seq.), part B of title II of the Energy Policy and Conservation Act
(42 U.S.C. 6271 et seq.), the Trading With the Enemy Act (50 U.S.C.
4301 et seq.), or any other provision of law that imposes sanctions on
a foreign person or foreign government (including any provision of law
that prohibits or restricts United States persons from engaging in a
transaction with a sanctioned person or government), including a
country that is designated as a state sponsor of terrorism, to prohibit
imports or exports.
``(2) In this subsection, the term `state sponsor of terrorism'
means a country the government of which the Secretary of State
determines has repeatedly provided support for international terrorism
pursuant to--
``(A) section 1754(c)(1)(A) of the Export Control Reform
Act of 2018 (50 U.S.C. 4318(c)(1)(A));
``(B) section 620A of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961
(22 U.S.C. 2371);
``(C) section 40 of the Arms Export Control Act (22 U.S.C.
2780); or
``(D) any other provision of law.''.
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Introduced in House
Introduced in House
Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
Rules Committee Resolution H. Res. 1009 Reported to House. The resolution provides for consideration of H.R. 7176 under a closed rule with one hour of general debate and one motion to recommit.
Rule H. Res. 1009 passed House.
Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 1009. (consideration: CR H649-659)
The resolution provides for consideration of H.R. 7176 under a closed rule with one hour of general debate and one motion to recommit.
DEBATE - The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H.R. 7176.
The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.
Mrs. Watson Coleman moved to recommit to the Committee on Energy and Commerce. (text: CR H659)
The previous question on the motion to recommit was ordered pursuant to clause 2(b) of rule XIX.
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POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS - At the conclusion of debate on H.R. 7176, the Chair put the question on the motion to recommit and by voice vote announced that the noes had prevailed. Mrs. Watson Coleman demanded the yeas and nays and the Chair postponed further proceedings until a time to be announced.
Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H660-661)
On motion to recommit Failed by the Yeas and Nays: 209 - 213 (Roll no. 51).
Roll Call #51 (House)Passed/agreed to in House: On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 224 - 200 (Roll no. 52). (text: CR H649)
Roll Call #52 (House)On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 224 - 200 (Roll no. 52). (text: CR H649)
Roll Call #52 (House)Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.