WASHINGTON, DC - Late Wednesday evening, the House of Representatives passed the 2017 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The vote scored a win for the committee’s pursuit of policies that say #Yes2Energy as the bill included language from committee member Rep. Bill Johnson’s (R-OH) H.R. 351, the LNG Permitting Certainty and Transparency Act. The legislation will expedite the approval process for Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) exports, a process that has been mired in bureaucratic inefficiency and red tape. A streamlined approval process would allow American LNG to enter the European Market, loosening Russia’s grip on energy supplies and prices. American “liquid freedom" is the ultimate win-win.
Dating back to October 2013, the Energy and Commerce Committee has been working to usher in a golden age of American LNG exports. Last Congress, the House passed the committee’s LNG exports bill on two occasions, but the effort failed to advance in the Senate. In January 2015, the House approved Rep. Johnson’s H.R. 351 and the bill was also included in the committee’s House-passed comprehensive energy bill, H.R. 8, the North American Energy Security and Infrastructure Act.
A hallmark of Chairman Fred Upton’s (R-MI) tenure has been to take advantage of every legislative opportunity to advance the committee’s priorities, which has resulted in a proven bipartisan #RecordOfSuccess.
“Hopefully the fifth time passing the House is the charm for LNG exports. 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," said Upton. “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."
Brief Timeline of the Committee’s Efforts to Pursue LNG Exports
Oct. 10, 2013 - Committee holds forum on “Geopolitical Implications and Mutual Benefits of U.S. LNG Exports."
February 4, 2014 - The Energy and Commerce Committee releases report on global benefits of U.S. LNG Exports.
March 6, 2014 - Committee member Rep. Cory Gardner (R-CO) introduces H.R. 6, the Domestic Prosperity and Global Freedom Act.
June 25, 2014 - House passes H.R. 6 by a vote of 266 to 150.
Sept. 18, 2014 - House passes American Energy Solutions for Lower Costs and More American Jobs Act, which included H.R. 6.
Jan. 14, 2015 - Rep. Bill Johnson introduces H.R. 351, the LNG Permitting Certainty and Transparency Act.
Jan. 28, 2015 - House passes H.R. 351, the LNG Permitting Certainty and Transparency Act, by a vote of 277 to 133.
Dec. 3, 2015 - House passes the committee’s comprehensive energy package, H.R. 8, the North American Energy Security and Infrastructure Act by a vote of 249 to 174. H.R. 8 included the text of H.R. 351.
April 27, 2016 - H.R. 351 added to the 2017 National Defense Authorization Act.
May 18, 2016 - House passes 2017 National Defense Authorization Act, marking the fifth time the committee’s LNG exports legislation has passed the House. Related Items
* E&C Effort to Advance Golden Age of American LNG Exports Gains Steam In Defense Package
* Laissez Les Bon Temps Roulez! Creole Spirit Poised to Dock in Europe with First Shipment of American LNG
