Unlocking our Domestic LNG Potential Act of 2025

This bill would repeal existing restrictions on the import and export of natural gas, including the requirement for Department of Energy approval. It proposes to grant the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission exclusive authority over the siting and operation of natural gas facilities and would require the commission to deem all such imports and exports as consistent with the public interest.

The bill directly affects the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) by transferring the authority to approve natural gas imports and exports from the DOE to FERC. It also impacts entities seeking to site, construct, expand, or operate liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminals and related facilities for international trade. Additionally, the legislation affects parties involved in the importation and exportation of natural gas to and from foreign countries, including those operating under existing free trade agreements.

• Repeal of natural gas import and export restrictions. The bill removes specific restrictions on the import and export of natural gas under the Natural Gas Act, including the requirement for Department of Energy approval and provisions related to free trade agreements.
• Consolidation of authority under FERC. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission is granted exclusive authority to approve or deny applications for the siting, construction, expansion, or operation of facilities used to export or import natural gas.
• Public interest determination for natural gas trade. The bill requires the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to deem the exportation or importation of natural gas as being consistent with the public interest when reviewing applications.

• H.R. 1949, Unlocking our Domestic LNG Potential Act of 2025
  Sep 26, 2025 · As reported by the House Committee on Energy and Commerce on September 11, 2025

This bill repeals specific import and export restrictions established under the Natural Gas Act, including Department of Energy approval requirements. It further modifies existing regulatory frameworks by transferring natural gas import and export authorization authority from the Department of Energy to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.

The bill aims to streamline the natural gas trade by repealing certain import and export restrictions and consolidating regulatory authority under the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). It requires FERC to deem the importation and exportation of natural gas as consistent with the public interest when reviewing applications for related facilities.