Senator Bill Cassidy, MD Introduces LNG Now Act to Remove Restrictions on U.S. LNG Exports 

Yesterday US Senator Bill Cassidy, MD (R-LA) introduced the License Natural Gas (LNG) Now Act to remove barriers placed on US natural gas exporters. The legislation would revamp the current system put in place by the U.S. Department of Energy decades ago and establish market growth of US exports without any delays.

“The previous administration created hurdles that stalled LNG projects that benefit the economy, environment and Louisiana workers.” said Dr. Cassidy. “This legislation adds certainty to the approval process and brings investment, and better-paying jobs, to Louisiana.”

According to a statement from the office of Senator Cassidy the LNG Now Act would achieve the following:

• Removes decades old restrictions on the exportation and importation of natural gas that have stalled development of previous projects
• Guarantees acceptance of export volume applications to the Department of Energy for export and import of natural gas without delay
• Retain the Department of Energy’s management and record keeping responsibilities
• Has the potential to lower global CO2 emissions by foreign nations replacing high emitting energy sources with natural gas
• Retains the Administration’s ability to limit export or import of natural gas during national emergencies or disasters
• Retains the Administration’s ability to restrict import or export of natural gas to nations unfriendly to the United States
• Requires the Secretary of Energy to submit a report to Congress on what actions could be taken by the U.S. Government to foster increased exportation of natural gas
• Requires the Secretary of Energy to submit a report to Congress that identifies current regulations that inhibit the growth of the U.S natural gas market
• Keeps the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission LNG Export facility process intact