Authored by Rep. Cory Gardner (R-CO)

Rep. Cory Gardner (R-CO) authored H.R. 6 to expedite exports of U.S. liquefied natural gas (LNG) to our allies. Increasing U.S. LNG exports would help boost the U.S. economy while increasing global energy security, and this legislation would bring certainty to DOE’s export approval process to ensure the U.S. does not miss this window of opportunity. 

H.R. 6, the Domestic Prosperity and Global Freedom Act (as amended by Gardner and Rep. Gene Green (D-TX)) would:

• Place a 30 day deadline on DOE to issue a final decision on applications to export LNG following the conclusion of the NEPA environmental review of the LNG facilities;
• Provide for expedited judicial review by the United States Court of Appeals for the circuit in which the export facility will be located; and
• Require public disclosure of export destinations as a condition of approval of authorization to export LNG.

Due to advancements in technology and innovation, America’s natural gas output has rapidly increased over the last decade and is expected to continue rising in the decades ahead in response to growing demand. Analysts have concluded that America has more than enough gas to supply our domestic needs and the export market. The export of U.S. LNG offers significant domestic and geopolitical benefits:   

• A study commissioned by the Department of Energy concluded that the export of U.S. LNG would result in net gains to our domestic economy that will increase with the level of exports. In addition to the economic benefits and jobs resulting from building new export facilities, opening new markets for American natural gas would encourage further production of domestic energy, helping to create additional jobs and support America’s manufacturing renaissance. A study by ICF estimated that LNG exports are expected to contribute 665,000 net job gains by 2035.
• U.S. LNG can supplant the influence of other exporters like Russia and Iran while strengthening ties with our allies and trading partners around the world. The crisis in Ukraine has underscored the potential for U.S. LNG exports to shift geopolitics and increase global energy security. By acting now, we can send a clear signal to our allies that a stable and secure energy supply will be an available alternative to meet their energy needs.  

For more information on H.R. 6 and other committee activities related to LNG exports visit energycommerce.house.gov/lngexports.

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