Shenango Valley News

Washington, D.C. - In a move to support Pennsylvania's thriving natural gas industry, U.S. Representative Mike Kelly (R-PA) has voted in favor of the "Unlocking Our Domestic LNG Potential Act of 2024." The bipartisan legislation aims to depoliticize the export of American liquefied natural gas (LNG) by shifting the authority over its approval process from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC).

The House vote, which took place on Thursday, resulted in a 224-200 victory for the bill. This decision comes shortly after President Joe Biden implemented a de facto ban on LNG exports until the end of the year. Representative Kelly expressed his concerns about the president's energy policy, stating, "President Biden's short-sighted energy policy fits his political needs rather than what is in America's best interest." As a member of the House Natural Gas Caucus, Kelly emphasized the threat this policy poses to Pennsylvania's natural gas industry, saying, "Today's vote by the House takes the first major step toward repealing this dangerous policy."

The background leading up to this legislation involves President Biden's announcement on January 26, 2024, of a "pause" on pending LNG exports. This decision directly impacts Pennsylvania, the second largest natural gas producing state in the United States, accounting for over 20% of domestic natural gas production. The state's natural gas industry supports a staggering 423,000 jobs.

It is essential to note that the United States became the global leader in LNG exports in 2023, surpassing long-time leaders Qatar and Australia. The significance of Pennsylvania's natural gas industry cannot be understated, not only for its economic contributions but also for its role in the nation's energy independence.

In response to the Biden administration's pause on LNG exports, Representative Kelly took to the House floor last week to express his opposition. His speech highlighted the potential negative impact on Pennsylvania's natural gas industry. The clip of his speech is available for viewing and download.

The passing of the "Unlocking Our Domestic LNG Potential Act of 2024" by the House represents a significant step toward ensuring the continued growth and success of Pennsylvania's natural gas industry. By shifting the authority over LNG exports to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, the legislation aims to remove political considerations from the approval process. This move will not only benefit Pennsylvania but also contribute to America's energy security and global leadership in LNG exports.