\n<\/p>\n
The House of Representatives passed a bill that removes the Biden administration\u2019s pause on liquified natural gas (LNG) exports.<\/p>\n
The \u201cUnlocking Our Domestic LNG Potential Act\u201d passed by a vote of 224-200, with nine Democrats voting with Republicans.<\/p>\n
H.R. 7176 removes the Department of Energy from the process of reviewing LNG export applications, handing oversight authority to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.<\/p>\n
House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) released a statement<\/a> on the bill, saying, \u201cThe President\u2019s decision to impose a ban on new permits for clean U.S. liquefied natural gas exports puts the interests of radical environmentalists ahead of the best interests of the United States and its allies. This ban will harm the American economy, jeopardize good paying jobs, weaken U.S. energy security, and threaten the security of our allies.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI applaud the passage of H.R. 7176, led by Rep. Pfluger, to immediately reverse President Biden\u2019s ban and protect America\u2019s economic and national security, and that of our allies.\u201d<\/p>\n Similarly, Republican Study Committee Chairman Kevin Hern (R-OK) and House Energy Action Team (HEAT) Chairman Rep. August Pfluger (R-TX) said<\/a>, \u201cPresident Biden\u2019s politically-motivated ban on American LNG exports is a monumental mistake that benefits our adversaries and dirty global polluters like Iran and Russia. Unleashing U.S. LNG exports means more American jobs, a more secure world for America and our allies, and lower emissions. The Senate should immediately take up this legislation to improve global security, create American jobs, and help our allies.\u201d<\/p>\n The bill\u2019s passage was also praised by House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA). \u201cWhen America leads the world in producing and exporting energy, America\u2019s economy is strengthened, its security is ensured, and all our allies benefit as well. However, since his first day in office, President Biden has targeted our domestic energy producers and actively undermined America\u2019s efforts to be energy independent,\u201d Johnson said in a statement. \u201cThe President\u2019s most recent decision \u2013 to pause pending natural gas export terminals \u2013 is a setback to American workers and our overseas partners, and a victory for Vladimir Putin and radical climate activists.\u201d<\/p>\n He added that the bill unleashes \u201cAmerican energy producers from the bonds of Biden\u2019s subversive bureaucratic overreach.\u201d<\/p>\n The White House declared<\/a> that it \u201cstrongly opposes\u201d the bill\u2019s passage.<\/p>\n In January, the Biden administration announced<\/a>\u00a0that it temporarily paused decisions for pending and future applications for the exportation of LNG in an effort to combat climate change.<\/p>\n \u201cIn every corner of the country and the world, people are suffering the devastating toll of climate change. Historic hurricanes and floods wiping out homes, businesses, and houses of worship. Wildfires destroying whole neighborhoods and forcing families to leave their communities behind. Record temperatures affecting the lives and livelihoods of millions of Americans, especially the most vulnerable,\u201d read a\u00a0statement<\/a>\u00a0from the White House.<\/p>\n The statement added that the Biden administration has put a \u201ctemporary pause on pending decisions of Liquefied Natural Gas exports \u2013 with the exception of unanticipated and immediate national security emergencies. During this period, we will take a hard look at the impacts of LNG exports on energy costs, America\u2019s energy security, and our environment. This pause on new LNG approvals sees the climate crisis for what it is: the existential threat of our time.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n