Lawmaker Reintroduces Bill to Increase Scrutiny of LNG Export Projects
Rep. Sean Casten, D-Ill., reintroduced a bill Jan. 14 to require the Energy Department to examine the impact on climate change, consumer energy costs and local communities when considering permits for new liquefied natural gas (LNG) export terminals.
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“Unfortunately, the existing law does not require these factors to be considered when determining whether a new LNG export terminal is in the national interest,” Casten said. “The Biden administration has begun to consider these factors, but it is unclear whether a future administration will do so.” His proposed LNG Public Interest Determination Act is intended to address the matter.
The bill was referred to the House Energy and Commerce Committee. Casten previously introduced the legislation in November (see 2411220036).
Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm said in December that a recent DOE study shows the need for the department to start weighing the economic and environmental impacts of increasing LNG exports in its permit deliberations. With the study having a comment period through Feb. 18 at 4:30 p.m. EST, she acknowledged that "decisions about the future of LNG export levels will necessarily be made by future administrations."