New Senate Bill Aims to Protect LNG Export Projects From Lawsuits

Sens. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, and John Cornyn, R-Texas, introduced a bill last week that they said would ensure courts cannot vacate previously authorized permits for liquefied natural gas projects.

Cruz said their Protect LNG Act is needed to shield LNG exports from “fringe environmental groups and politicized courts" during litigation. He cited a recent decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit that vacated reauthorizations for the Rio Grande LNG and Texas LNG projects.

Cruz last week urged Willie Phillips, chairman of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, to appeal the decision. A FERC spokesperson said the agency will respond to Cruz's letter "in due course."