Columbia Standard

WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) has introduced the Unlocking Domestic LNG Potential Act, a bill aimed at depoliticizing the export of American liquefied natural gas (LNG). The bill eliminates the requirement for the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to authorize LNG exports and instead gives sole authority over the approval process to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). Senator Scott's move comes in response to President Biden halting approvals of pending applications for LNG exports, a decision that has drawn criticism for its potential impact on American energy independence.

"President Biden’s move to halt American energy exports is pure politics. In fact, exporting U.S. natural gas would actually lower global emissions," said Senator Scott. "President Biden is dead set on bowing to the far-left and making the U.S. and our allies more reliant on foreign adversaries like Russia. Instead, I’m fighting to unleash America’s abundant natural resources, bolster our energy independence, and safeguard our national security."

The bill is cosponsored by a group of Republican senators, including Senators Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), Bill Cassidy (R-La.), Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), John Kennedy (R-La.), Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), and John Thune (R-S.D.).

This bill builds upon similar legislation introduced in the House of Representatives by former Representative Bill Johnson (R-Ohio) earlier this Congress. The legislation was included in both H.R.1, the Low Energy Costs Act, and H.R. 2811, the Limit, Save, Grow Act, both of which passed the House of Representatives but have since stalled in the Democrat-controlled Senate.

Senator Scott's commitment to American energy dominance and independence aligns with his efforts to unleash America's abundant natural resources. By eliminating the requirement for DOE authorization and giving FERC sole authority over the approval process for LNG exports, the Unlocking Domestic LNG Potential Act aims to bolster the country's energy independence and safeguard national security.

The move to halt American energy exports has drawn criticism not only from Senator Scott but from others who believe it will negatively impact American energy independence. As Senator Scott pointed out, exporting U.S. natural gas would actually lower global emissions. The decision to pause approvals of pending LNG export applications is seen by critics as a major blow to American energy independence and an increase in global reliance on countries like Russia.

Senator Scott's bill has gained significant support from his Republican colleagues in the Senate, with 16 cosponsors joining him in his efforts to boost American energy independence and dominance. The legislation aims to depoliticize the export of American LNG and ensure that the approval process is streamlined and efficient.

As the bill makes its way through the legislative process, Senator Scott remains committed to fighting for America's energy resources and safeguarding the country's national security. With the Unlocking Domestic LNG Potential Act, Senator Scott aims to create an environment that allows the U.S. to fully utilize its natural resources, reduce dependence on foreign adversaries, and strengthen the nation's energy independence.

In conclusion, Senator Scott's introduction of the Unlocking Domestic LNG Potential Act is a direct response to President Biden's decision to halt American energy exports. The bill seeks to depoliticize the export of LNG and give sole authority over the approval process to FERC. With support from his Republican colleagues, Senator Scott is determined to bolster American energy independence and dominance, safeguard national security, and ensure the efficient utilization of the country's natural resources.