Senators Seek to Alter Approval Process for LNG Exports

A group of Republican senators has introduced a bill aimed at countering the Biden administration’s recent temporary pause in pending decisions on liquefied natural gas exports.

The bill, which Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C., unveiled on Jan. 31, would eliminate a requirement that the Energy Department authorize those exports, leaving the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, an independent agency, as the sole authority for the approval process. Scott, along with Sens. Jim Risch and Mike Crapo, Republicans from Idaho, said the change would de-politicize the process. The House passed similar legislation last year.

The administration announced the pause on Jan. 26, saying it is needed to review the export approval process to address climate concerns (see 2401260070). Republicans criticized the pause, saying it would force countries in Europe and elsewhere to buy LNG from adversaries, especially Russia and Iran.