Congressman Brett Guthrie, Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, spoke on the House floor in support of H.R. 1949, known as the Unlocking our Domestic LNG Potential Act. The bill aims to remove certain export controls on liquefied natural gas (LNG), with the goal of strengthening the U.S. economy and enhancing energy security for both the United States and its allies.
Guthrie highlighted that since 2016, when the first shipment of U.S. LNG left from the lower 48 states, exports have grown significantly—from 0.5 billion cubic feet per day in 2016 to nearly 12 billion cubic feet per day by 2024. He stated this growth has positioned the United States as a global leader in LNG exports.
He pointed to events in 2022 following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine as an example of U.S. LNG’s role in supporting global energy needs: “This could not have been more evident than in 2022 when Russia invaded Ukraine, disrupting global commodity markets and leaving Europe without secure access to energy.” Guthrie noted that American producers sent shipments to Europe during this crisis.
Guthrie criticized a decision by the Biden-Harris Administration made in January 2024 to halt new export authorizations for LNG, describing it as “an illegal and indefinite ban” motivated by climate change goals he called vague. He argued that current law favors exports being presumed in the public interest and referenced studies suggesting that LNG exports support energy security while keeping domestic prices low.
He said: “The Biden-Harris Administration’s action not only jeopardized our European allies, it threatened the faith and credibility of American companies’ contracts, emboldened Russia and other nefarious actors, and created uncertainty for domestic producers of natural gas.”
The proposed legislation would remove the Department of Energy from its role in approving export authorizations but would maintain presidential authority to impose sanctions if necessary for national interests.
Guthrie concluded his remarks by emphasizing job creation, support for allies abroad, and affordable natural gas at home: “This bill will create American jobs, help our allies around the world, and maintain low-cost natural gas for American families and businesses.”
