US House to Vote on Reversing Biden’s LNG Exports Pause

Biden Administration’s Moratorium on LNG Exports to Face House Vote

Next month, the U.S. House of Representatives will vote on a measure to overturn the Biden administration’s moratorium on approvals of new liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports. This decision was reported by Bloomberg, citing a Republican lawmaker.

House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Confirms Vote

Representative Cathy McMorris Rodgers, the chair of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, stated that the measure will be voted on the week after next. The report indicated that the measure could garner significant support in the House, which is currently controlled by Republicans. However, if it were to pass in the House, it would face challenges in the Democratic-controlled Senate.

Biden’s Permitting Pause and Republican Response

President Joe Biden’s announcement of the permitting pause on LNG exports was made to allow time for his administration to assess the environmental and economic impact of such exports. This move, aimed at major markets in Asia and Europe without free trade agreements with the U.S., was met with criticism from Republican lawmakers.

Concerns and Criticisms Surrounding the Moratorium

Republican lawmakers expressed concern over the moratorium’s impact on pending applications for LNG exports and future ones that could come before the Department of Energy. The pause, expected to remain in effect until after the upcoming election, has drawn criticism for its perceived alignment with the Democratic party’s stance on climate activism.

Possible Impact on Major LNG Terminal Project

The pause could potentially affect the timing of Venture Global’s Calcasieu Pass 2 terminal project in Louisiana, particularly if it receives approval from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Republican from Louisiana, pointed out that the pause could benefit Russia, a significant gas supplier to Europe.

Johnson’s concerns revolve around the potential implications of reducing U.S. LNG exports, particularly given Europe’s ongoing efforts to reduce its reliance on Russian gas following geopolitical events in 2022.

Johnson’s office did not immediately respond to queries about the timing of any vote.