Washington, D.C. — House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) delivered the following remarks on the House Floor during debate of H.R. 7176, the Unlocking our Domestic LNG Potential Act of 2024. The legislation, led by Rep. August Pfluger (R-TX), will reverse President Biden’s liquified natural gas (LNG) export ban and unleash American LNG to lower energy costs, advance U.S. energy security and the security of our allies, as well as reduce emissions. 

“I rise today in support of H.R. 7176, the ‘Unlocking our Domestic LNG Potential Act of 2024,’ introduced by my friend Representative August Pfluger.

“President Biden’s decision to impose a ban on issuing permits to export natural gas is just the latest example of his administration caving to environmentalist activists and putting politics over the American people.  

“This ban will harm the American economy, jeopardize good paying jobs, weaken our energy security, and it threatens the security of our friends and allies.

“America has become the number one producer and exporter of liquefied natural gas in the world. 

“This has strengthened our economy, reduced costs for the American people, and enabled the United States to lead in reducing emissions more than any other nation, both here at home and abroad.

“American LNG has been a lifeline, especially our European allies, since Russia invaded Ukraine.

“Since the invasion, American LNG has helped them reduce their natural gas prices by over 83% and reduce their dependence on Russia. 

“President Biden’s ban sends a signal to our allies that we’re no longer a dependable energy partner.

“This is unacceptable.

“H.R. 7176 will immediately reverse the President’s decision, allowing the U.S. to export more and encouraging domestic production here at home, which will then reduce American energy supply vulnerabilities.

“This will reduce American energy supply vulnerabilities and encourage investments in other industries, like manufacturing.

“Some estimate that LNG exports could add as much as $73 billion to our economy and more than 450,000 American jobs by 2040.

“LNG is vital to America’s energy leadership, our security, and our future. 

“I urge my colleagues to support this bill.” 

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