The House recently advanced the 2017 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which the Energy and Commerce Committee regarded as a victory due to its inclusion of measures to expedite permit approvals for exporting liquid natural gas (LNG).
The committee has a history of supporting LNG exports, and this bill would help U.S. exporters compete in Europe with Russia, which currently controls energy supply and prices on the continent. The NDAA bill includes portions of the LNG Permitting Certainty and Transparency Act (H.R. 351), which was authored by U.S. Rep. Bill Johnson (R-OH), a committee member.
That bill previously was advanced by the House, along with another LNG exports bill that was advanced twice Last Congress and the North American Energy Security Infrastructure Act, H.R. 8, which included H.R. 351.
“Hopefully, the fifth time passing the House is the charm for LNG exports," committee Chairman Fred Upton (R-MI), said. "When it comes to jobs and the economy, we have to take advantage of every legislative opportunity. We saw an opening in the Defense Authorization to advance LNG exports, and I’m pleased the finish line is in sight. This bill is good for jobs, good for the U.S. economy, and it also will deliver a reliable supply of American liquid freedom to our allies around the globe.”
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