Unlocking our Domestic LNG Potential Act of 2025
This bill streamlines the permitting process for companies seeking to build, expand, or operate liquefied natural gas (LNG) export and import terminals. It removes the Department of Energy's separate approval process and gives sole facility authority to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, directing regulators to automatically treat natural gas trade as beneficial to the public interest. The bill keeps the President's authority to block gas exports to sanctioned countries and designated state sponsors of terrorism.
What this bill touches.
Who it helps · who it burdens.
Who it helps
- Natural gas and LNG facility developers and operatorsGains a streamlined authorization process by giving the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission exclusive approval authority and requiring the Commission to automatically deem natural gas exports and imports to be in the public interest (Sec. 2(1), (4)).
Who it burdens
- Federal Energy Regulatory CommissionAssumes sole federal authority over approving or denying the siting, construction, expansion, and operation of natural gas import and export facilities, and is required to evaluate all gas imports and exports as inherently consistent with the public interest (Sec. 2(4)).
The provisions, in plain language.
Gives the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission exclusive authority to approve or deny the siting, construction, expansion, and operation of natural gas import and export facilities (including LNG terminals), eliminating separate Department of Energy export authorization requirements.
Requires the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to automatically consider all natural gas imports and exports to be in the public interest when reviewing facility applications.
Preserves the President's authority to block natural gas imports or exports under emergency powers, international trade laws, and economic sanctions, including sanctions against state sponsors of terrorism.