PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
Congressional Research Service
Version 00 · Introduced in House · Jan 14, 2025
LNG Public Interest Determination Act of 2025
This bill modifies and expands requirements for exporting natural gas, including liquefied natural gas (LNG).
Under the existing provisions of the Natural Gas Act, exporters of natural gas must obtain authorization to make such exports from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). Additionally, FERC must authorize such exports if they are consistent with the public interest.
Showing the opening paragraphs of the official summary.
The bill directs exporters of natural gas to obtain authorization from the Department of Energy (DOE) rather than from FERC. Before granting an authorization, DOE must determine that the export would not likely (1) contribute significantly to climate change; (2) materially increase energy prices or energy price volatility for U.S. consumers; or (3) create a disproportionate health or environmental burden on rural, low-income, minority, and other vulnerable communities.
The bill also classifies an authorization of the exportation of natural gas as a major federal action that triggers the environmental review process required under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA).
Additionally, the bill terminates the categorical exclusion for exports of natural gas, and any associated transportation of LNG by marine vessels, from NEPA environmental review requirements. A categorical exclusion is a class of actions that a federal agency has determined do not significantly affect the quality of the human environment and, thus, do not require either an environmental assessment nor an environmental impact statement.
People & committees
Rep. Casten, Sean [D-IL-6] · D–IL
Legislative record
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Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
Introduced in House
Introduced in House
Primary sources
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No related bills are listed in this snapshot. This does not establish whether the proposal has appeared in earlier Congresses.
Source last updated: Oct 30, 2026. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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