U.S. Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas), who chairs the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, has introduced the Natural Gas Export Expansion Act. The legislation aims to speed up federal approval for exporting liquefied natural gas (LNG) from the United States.
Senator Cruz stated, “Increasing U.S. energy exports is good for America, and there is no bigger energy producer than the state of Texas. My legislation expedites permits for LNG exporters to ensure that Texas-produced gas can be sent to our allies around the world. It will enhance American energy dominance, create jobs, and drive investment. I call on my colleagues to pass this legislation expeditiously.”
The bill has been cosponsored by Senators Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.). Senator Cramer commented, “I am a firm believer energy security is national security and exporting liquefied natural gas strengthens our geopolitical hand. Our bill would eliminate onerous regulations surrounding the American liquefied natural gas industry and encourage our producers to sell their premier product around the world. Effectively, it would help keep people safe, keep our workers employed in good paying jobs, lower global emissions, and get a much-needed product to market.”
Senator Capito added, “Expediting the approval process to export American liquified natural gas to our allies will not only strengthen our economy and create jobs, but it will also ensure that those countries do not have to rely on adversaries for their energy needs. Unleashing American energy is a vital component to our national security, and I’m proud to join my colleagues in reintroducing legislation that supports both of these important missions.”
In the House of Representatives, Congressman Michael Cloud (R-Texas-27) plans to introduce companion legislation. Rep. Cloud said, “The current approval process for our LNG exports is burdened with bureaucratic red tape that puts American energy independence and dominance at risk. The Natural Gas Expansion Act eliminates regulatory hurdles, which will secure our energy, trade, and job markets, regardless of any change in the executive. I appreciate the opportunity to work with Senator Cruz in advancing this important legislation for American Energy.”
The proposed act would amend the Natural Gas Act so that non-free trade agreement export permits are processed as quickly as those involving free trade countries. However, nations under sanctions or specifically excluded by Congress or the President would remain subject to existing restrictions.
Senator Cruz previously introduced similar bills in 2023 and 2021 as part of his ongoing efforts related to U.S. energy policy.
Cruz’s recent actions include sending a letter in July urging swift action from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission regarding authority for the Rio Grande LNG project—a project supporting thousands of jobs in Texas’s Rio Grande Valley—and co-sponsoring other legislative measures such as reintroducing the Protect LNG Act earlier this year.
Senator Cruz has held office since winning his first Senate election against Paul Sadler in 2012 with 56.5% of votes compared to Sadler's 40.6%. He was reelected after defeating Beto O'Rourke in 2018 with 50.9% over O'Rourke's 48.3%, and again prevailed over Colin Allred in 2024 with 53.1% versus Allred's 44.6%.
