The US House of Representatives passed a bill on Sept. 6 authorizing small-scale exports of LNG by 260 to 146 votes. Thirty-seven Democrats joined 223 Republicans in casting aye ballots. Three Republicans and 143 Democrats opposed the measure, which moved immediately to the US Senate for consideration by the Energy and Natural Resources Committee.
“It’s critically important that we take advantage of this opportunity we’ve been blessed with. There is no doubt that LNG exports are creating new, well-paying jobs and improving the quality of life for hard working families in eastern and southeastern Ohio,” Rep. Bill Johnson (R-Ohio), the bill’s sponsor, said following the vote.
H.R. 4606’s provisions are similar to a final rule the US Department of Energy issued in late July (OGJ Online, July 31, 2018). “This legislation would ensure that the DOE rule will become law, and not subject to the whims of future presidential administrations and policies,” Johnson said.
“This bipartisan legislation codifies DOE’s recent efforts to encourage the exports of small volumes of natural gas, as countries continue to look to us to meet their needs,” said Rep. Henry Cuellar (Tex.), the bill’s primary Democratic cosponsor. “I look forward to continuing to work with members on both sides of the aisle to encourage more natural gas exports, directly increasing our energy independence and security.”
Officials from two organizations supporting expansion of US LNG exports immediately applauded the House’s action.
“This legislation reduces hurdles, streamlines the process, and allows for the US LNG industry to compete in a global and fast-growing market,” said Charlie Riedl, executive director of the Center for Liquefied Natural Gas. “[It] will allow small-scale LNG exports to better supply markets in the Caribbean and Latin America, benefit our citizens in Puerto Rico, and improve our competitive position in local LNG markets.”
LNG Allies Pres. Fred H. Hutchison meanwhile said, “Today’s lopsided vote on the small-scale LNG bill reflects the fact that US LNG exports continue to enjoy strong bipartisan support within the House of Representatives and Congress as a whole. Clearly, both the executive and legislative branches of the government understand that US LNG exports create thousands of American jobs and bring economic and environmental benefits to US allies and trading partners around the globe.”
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