Bill introduced to give American energy producers safeguards against Anti-LNG policies

U.S. Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA) introduced legislation that would protect American energy producers and ensure political parties stifle production and export of liquified natural gas (LNG).

The bill, the LNG Export Security Act, would amend current law to provide certainty to American energy producers, the bill’s sponsors said, while making sure politicians cannot take advantage of vague language to enact policies that harm American ratepayers.

“LNG has played a critical role in promoting America’s energy independence and global leadership. That kind of energy dominance starts in Pennsylvania,” Fetterman said. “I’ve been proud to advocate for solutions that put American jobs first and fully recognize we need guardrails in place to protect this industry and the workers. This bill makes sure decisions are made objectively while protecting the millions of jobs that power communities across Pennsylvania and our great nation.”

The legislation amends the Natural Gas Act by defining “public interest” with the consideration of the development of natural gas facilities in the U.S., and the domestic natural gas supply, domestic economic interests, and national security interests. The legislation is in response to a pause on LNG exports passed in 2024. Fetterman expressed concerns then over the decision saying it had potential long-term impacts on jobs of hardworking Pennsylvanians. The state is the leading energy state and the second largest natural gas-producing state.

“America’s energy producers shouldn’t work in fear that a future administration could kneecap them with burdensome restrictions at a moment’s notice due to ambiguous laws,” U.S. Sen John Cornyn (R-TX), the bill’s co-sponsor, said. “Our commonsense legislation would clarify the Natural Gas Act to give LNG producers the certainty they need and deserve to continue powering the world.”

The legislation is supported by the American Exploration & Production Council (AXPC) and the Center for LNG.