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119-s-1901119th Congress

Protect LNG Act of 2025

Sponsored By: Senator Cruz, Ted [R-TX]

Introduced

Summary

Would protect LNG permits from being vacated during environmental lawsuits. It would require courts that find violations of the Natural Gas Act or NEPA to remand the matter to the agency instead of setting aside permits.

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  • LNG developers: Keeps permits and licenses in effect while related lawsuits proceed, so approvals are not set aside or vacated.
  • Federal agencies: Must continue to process covered applications and resolve remanded violations instead of losing permits by vacatur.
  • Courts and litigants: Assigns original, exclusive jurisdiction to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the circuit where the facility is or will be located, requires expedited docketing, and imposes a 90-day deadline to file challenges measured from the Federal Register notice that an action is final.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

New rules for LNG permit lawsuits

If enacted, the bill would limit and speed court challenges to covered LNG permits. It would make the Court of Appeals for the circuit where the project is located the exclusive place to start review, and require those courts to docket and handle cases quickly. Challenges must be filed within 90 days after a Federal Register notice says the agency action is final. If a court finds an environmental review unlawful, it could not cancel the permit; it must remand the case to the agency to fix the problem while the permit stays valid and the agency keeps processing applications.

Which LNG projects are covered

If enacted, the bill would define which LNG applications and facilities count as "covered." A "covered application" would mean an application to export natural gas under NGA section 3(a) or to site, build, expand, or operate an LNG facility under NGA section 3(e). A "covered facility" would be an LNG plant that needs approval from the Secretary of Energy and either the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission or the Maritime Administration. "Secretary" would mean the Secretary of Energy.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Cruz, Ted [R-TX]

TX • R

Cosponsors

  • Sen. Cornyn, John [R-TX]

    TX • R

    Sponsored 5/22/2025

  • Sen. Wicker, Roger F. [R-MS]

    MS • R

    Sponsored 5/22/2025

  • Sen. Scott, Tim [R-SC]

    SC • R

    Sponsored 5/22/2025

  • Sen. McCormick, David [R-PA]

    PA • R

    Sponsored 7/29/2026

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

View on Congress.gov
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