Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Rep. Randy Weber (TX-14) introduced a resolution condemning the Biden Administration’s recent ban of liquefied natural gas (LNG) export permits to non-free trade agreement countries.

"The Biden Administration’s decision to ban LNG export permits is a blatant attempt to fulfill campaign promises at the expense of American jobs and economic prosperity," said Rep. Weber. "This outrageous ban directly harms Southeast Texas, threatening our national security and devastating our local communities. Our hardworking families and critical energy infrastructure should not be sacrificed for political agendas. I am proud to lead my colleagues in condemning this misguided administration and their destructive energy policies. Together, we will fight to protect American jobs, ensure our energy independence, and support the communities that rely on a thriving LNG industry.”

The resolution will:

1. Condemn the Biden administration’s reckless suspension of LNG export permits.
2. Call for the immediate lifting of the ban to restore confidence in the U.S. energy sector.
3. Urge the administration to prioritize American workers and communities over partisan political agendas.
4. Transmit copies of the resolution to the President of the United States, the Secretary of Energy, and relevant stakeholders to underscore the critical importance of supporting and advancing the U.S. LNG industry.

In April, Rep. Weber led a field hearing in Port Arthur, Texas with the Energy and Commerce Committee to discuss the economic benefits of LNG exports from his district. The hearing highlighted the positive impact of LNG on local communities, including job creation, infrastructure development, and increased tax revenue supporting essential services like education and healthcare.

Background:

1. On January 26th, President Biden announced an indefinite ban on the issuance of export permits to non-FTA countries while it conducts a review to consider the climate impacts of natural gas. In the announcement, the White House fact sheet justified the action based on the desire to “act with urgency” to address the “existential threat” of climate change.
2. Current law requires that natural gas exports to countries with which the U.S. has an FTA be approved without delay. For non-FTA countries, the Energy Secretary is required to approve export requests unless they find exports “will not be consistent with the public interest.” There is a clear statutory presumption that U.S. LNG. exports are in the public interest.
3. The Department of Energy (DOE) has already commissioned five studies to examine the effects of U.S. LNG exports. The results unanimously demonstrate the benefits to the U.S. economy and domestic natural gas prices. DOE has also issued two studies that examined the life cycle greenhouse gas impacts of U.S. LNG exports, showing strong environmental benefits. In fact, the two prior presidential administrations conducted these studies without blocking export permits.

The legislation is cosponsored by U.S. Representatives: Dan Meuser (PA-09), Stephanie Bice (OK-05), Michael Cloud (TX-27), Russ Fulcher (ID-01), Darrell Issa (CA-48), Richard Hudson (NC-09), Keith Self (TX-03), John Carter (TX-31), Andy Biggs (AZ-05), Clay Higgins (LA-03), Rick Allen (GA-12), John Joyce (PA-13), Brett Guthrie (KY-02), Debbie Lesko (AZ-08), Mary Miller (IL-15), Kelly Armstrong (ND-At Large), Dan Bishop (NC-08), Neal Dunn (FL-02), Russell Fry (SC-07), Mike Kelly (PA-16), Bill Huizenga (MI-04), Don Bacon (NE-02), Ron Estes (KS-04), Michael McCaul (TX-10), Gus Bilirakis (FL-12), Ronny Jackson (TX-13), Larry Bucshon (IN-08), Jim Baird (IN-04), Mike Rogers (AL-03), Brian Babin (TX-36), Jodey Arrington (TX-19), Gary Palmer (AL-06), Troy Nehls (TX-22), Aaron Bean (FL-04), Mike Turner (OH-10), Mike Lawler (NY-17), Scott Franklin (FL-18), and Blaine Luetkemeyer (MO-03).