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119-s-883119th Congress

Unlocking Domestic LNG Potential Act of 2025

Sponsored By: Senator Scott, Tim [R-SC]

Introduced

Summary

Would make the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) the exclusive authority to approve or deny LNG terminal and other facility applications for U.S. natural gas imports and exports. It would also preserve the President's constitutional and statutory power to bar imports or exports under national security and sanctions laws.

Show full summary
  • Energy developers and pipeline companies: Applications to site, build, expand, or operate facilities used to export or import natural gas would require approval from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) as the exclusive federal authority.
  • The President and national security policymakers: The bill would confirm the President's ability to prohibit imports or exports under laws including the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, the National Emergencies Act, Part B of title II of the Energy Policy and Conservation Act, and the Trading with the Enemy Act.
  • Federal agencies and legal definitions: The text would not otherwise change other agencies' authorities over facilities and it would define "state sponsor of terrorism" for purposes of the rule preserving presidential prohibitions.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Federal regulator would control gas terminals

This bill would give the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission sole authority to approve or deny the siting, construction, expansion, or operation of facilities that import or export natural gas, including LNG terminals. FERC would be required to treat importing or exporting natural gas as consistent with the public interest when it decides. The bill would leave other federal agencies' authorities unchanged except where the Act says otherwise. If enacted, this could change permitting timelines, project approvals, and energy market outcomes for developers and nearby communities.

President keeps authority to block trade

This bill would say nothing in the Act limits the President's power to prohibit imports or exports under the Constitution or listed laws. It would list laws the President may rely on, such as the International Emergency Economic Powers Act and the Trading with the Enemy Act. It would define "state sponsor of terrorism" for this rule. If enacted, this could affect businesses and people who trade with sanctioned countries or entities.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Scott, Tim [R-SC]

SC • R

Cosponsors

  • Sen. Cramer, Kevin [R-ND]

    ND • R

    Sponsored 3/6/2025

  • Sen. Ricketts, Pete [R-NE]

    NE • R

    Sponsored 3/6/2025

  • Sen. Budd, Ted [R-NC]

    NC • R

    Sponsored 3/6/2025

  • Sen. Britt, Katie Boyd [R-AL]

    AL • R

    Sponsored 3/6/2025

  • Sen. Scott, Rick [R-FL]

    FL • R

    Sponsored 3/6/2025

  • Sen. Husted, Jon [R-OH]

    OH • R

    Sponsored 4/1/2025

  • Sen. McCormick, David [R-PA]

    PA • R

    Sponsored 7/31/2025

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

View on Congress.gov
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