Central ND News

Senator John Hoeven, a member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, has introduced legislation to reverse the Biden administration's ban on new liquefied natural gas (LNG) export authorizations. The Unlocking Domestic LNG Potential Act, led by Senator Tim Scott, aims to eliminate the Department of Energy's authority over LNG exports and transfer it to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.

The Biden administration recently halted approvals for new LNG export terminals while it reviews the licensing process. This move has raised concerns about U.S. energy independence and national security, as well as the ability to provide LNG to allies, particularly in Europe.

Senator Hoeven expressed his dissatisfaction with the Biden administration's decision, stating, "The Biden administration continues to put its Green New Deal agenda over U.S. energy and national security." He believes that the legislation he introduced will help boost American energy independence and reverse the halt on new LNG exports. He further emphasized the importance of energy security for national security.

The senator is not only working on introducing legislation but is also taking steps to bring Biden administration officials before the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee to address their concerns regarding the LNG export ban. Additionally, the committee will hold a hearing to discuss the administration's flawed Green New Deal policy.

Apart from the LNG export ban, Senator Hoeven is also focused on reversing the Biden administration's ban on transporting LNG by rail. He has sponsored legislation to streamline and set deadlines for multi-agency reviews of natural gas pipeline and LNG projects. These efforts are aimed at ensuring a smoother process for getting energy to the market.

The proposed legislation to reverse the LNG export ban has been included in two comprehensive energy permitting reform bills, namely the Spur Permitting of Underdeveloped Resources (SPUR) Act and the Lower Energy Costs Act. The SPUR Act, sponsored by Senate Energy and Natural Resources Ranking Member John Barrasso, and H.R.1, the Lower Energy Costs Act, passed by the U.S. House of Representatives last year.

Senator Hoeven's legislation seeks to address concerns about U.S. energy independence, national security, and the ability to support allies with LNG exports. The proposed move to give sole authority over LNG export approvals to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission is seen as a step towards boosting American energy and reversing the Biden administration's halt on new LNG exports.