S 883 — Unlocking Domestic LNG Potential Act of 2025

Bill Text

• Introduced Introduced in Senate Current html March 06, 2025

Compared against current U.S. Code AI-generated reading aid — verify against the official bill.

The bill significantly changes the regulatory framework for natural gas export and import by removing existing subsections and redefining the authority of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.

• 15 U.S.C. 717b

  (a) Mandatory authorization order After six months from June 21, 1938, no person shall export any natural gas from the United States to a foreign country or import any natural gas from a foreign country without first having secured an order of the Commission authorizing it to do so. The Commission shall issue such order upon application, unless, after opportunity for hearing, it finds that the proposed exportation or importation will not be consistent with the public interest. The Commission may by its order grant such application, in whole or in part, with such modification and upon such terms and conditions as the Commission may find necessary or appropriate, and may from time to time, after opportunity for hearing, and for good cause shown, make such supplemental order in the premises as it may find necessary or appropriate. (b) Free trade agreementsWith respect to natural gas which is imported into the United States from a nation with which there is in effect a free trade agreement requiring national treatment for trade in natural gas, and with respect to liquefied natural gas—(1) the importation of such natural gas shall be treated as a “first sale” within the meaning of section 3301(21) of this title; and(2) the Commission shall not, on the basis of national origin, treat any such imported natural gas on an unjust, unreasonable, unduly discriminatory, or preferential basis. (c) Expedited application and approval processFor purposes of subsection (a), the importation of the natural gas referred to in subsection (b), or the exportation of natural gas to a nation with which there is in effect a free trade agreement requiring national treatment for trade in natural gas, shall be deemed to be consistent with the public interest, and applications for such importation or exportation shall be granted without modification or delay.

  Removes the mandatory requirement that the Commission must issue an order authorizing exportation or importation of natural gas based on public interest considerations.

• 15 U.S.C. 717b

  (d) Construction with other lawsExcept as specifically provided in this chapter, nothing in this chapter affects the rights of States under—(1) the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 (16 U.S.C. 1451 et seq.);(2) the Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. 7401 et seq.); or(3) the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1251 et seq.).

  Eliminates the provision that preserves State rights under specified environmental laws in relation to natural gas imports and exports.

• 15 U.S.C. 717b

  (a) LNG Terminals.--(1) Authority of the commission.--(A) In general.--The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission shall have the exclusive authority to approve or deny an application for the siting, construction, expansion, or operation of a facility, including an LNG terminal, to export natural gas from the United States to a foreign country or import natural gas from a foreign country. (B) Public interest.--In determining whether to approve or deny an application described in subparagraph (A), the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission shall deem the importation or exportation of natural gas to be consistent with the public interest. (C) Effect.--Except as specifically provided in this Act, nothing in this Act affects otherwise applicable law relating to the authority or responsibility of any Federal agency relating to facilities, including LNG terminals, to import or export natural gas.

  Establishes a new framework placing exclusive authority for natural gas import and export facility applications with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, while affirming public interest in such applications.

• 15 U.S.C. 717b

  (d) Rule of Construction Relating to Authority To Prohibit Imports or Exports.--(1) Definition of state sponsor of terrorism.--In this subsection, the term `state sponsor of terrorism' means a country the government of which the Secretary of State determines has repeatedly provided support for international terrorism pursuant to--(A) section 1754(c)(1)(A) of the Export Control Reform Act of 2018 (50 U.S.C. 4813(c)(1)(A));(B) section 620A of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2371);(C) section 40 of the Arms Export Control Act (22 U.S.C. 2780); or(D) any other provision of law.

  Introduces a definition and framework regarding the authority of the President to prohibit imports or exports based on a country's designation as a state sponsor of terrorism.

Action History

1. March 06, 2025

   Introduced in Senate

2. March 06, 2025

   Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.

Sponsors

• Tim Scott · Primary
• Kevin Cramer · Cosponsor
• Pete Ricketts · Cosponsor
• Ted Budd · Cosponsor
• Katie Boyd Britt · Cosponsor
• Rick Scott · Cosponsor
• Jon Husted · Cosponsor
• David McCormick · Cosponsor

Subjects