PA Environment Digest Blog: PA US Sen. Fetterman Introduces Legislation To Promote Development Of LNG Natural Gas Export Facilities; LNG Facilities Proposed In PA Communities Already Overburdened By Pollution

On May 14, U.S. Senators John Fetterman (D-PA) and John Cornyn (R-TX) introduced the LNG [Natural Gas] Export Security Act, which would amend current law to provide certainty to American energy producers and ensure administrations regardless of party cannot take advantage of vague language to enact policies that stifle liquified natural gas (LNG) production and exports or harm American ratepayers.

[Note: LNG facilities have been proposed in Southeast Pennsylvania in communities already overburdened by pollution. Read more here.]

“LNG has played a critical role in promoting America’s energy independence and global leadership. That kind of energy dominance starts in Pennsylvania,” said Senator Fetterman. “I’ve been proud to advocate for solutions that put American jobs first and fully recognize we need guardrails in place to protect this industry and the workers. This bill makes sure decisions are made objectively while protecting the millions of jobs that power communities across Pennsylvania and our great nation.”

“America’s energy producers shouldn’t work in fear that a future administration could kneecap them with burdensome restrictions at a moment’s notice due to ambiguous laws,” said Senator Cornyn. “Our commonsense legislation would clarify the Natural Gas Act to give LNG producers the certainty they need and deserve to continue powering the world.”

The LNG Export Security Act amends the Natural Gas Act by defining “public interest” with the consideration of:

-- The development of natural gas facilities in the United States and the domestic natural gas supply;

-- Domestic economic interests; and

-- National security interests.

The LNG Export Security Act is endorsed by the American Exploration & Production Council (AXPC) and the Center for LNG.

Background

Sen. Fetterman said the legislation was introduced in response to the Biden Administration’s pause on LNG exports in 2024. At the time, Senator Fetterman raised concerns over the decision and the potential long-term impacts it would have on the jobs of hardworking Pennsylvanians.

He highlighted the history of Pennsylvania as a leading energy state and second largest natural gas-producing state, and vowed to push back against the administration if energy jobs in the commonwealth were threatened.

Senator Fetterman said he continues to push for all-of-the-above energy policies that put Pennsylvania at the forefront, protects the jobs of those who keep our country running, and secures the U.S. energy supply.

Click Here for the announcement.

Gas Industry Applauds Fetterman

This statement was released by Marcellus Shale Gas Coalition President Jim Welty--

“We applaud the bipartisanship leadership of Senators Fettermand and Cornyn who recognize the importance of safely developing America’s abundant natural gas resources and the role our nation plays in meeting critical economic, environmental, and security goals both domestically and abroad.

“Regulatory and permitting certainty, particularly related to LNG trade with our key allies and trading partners, is essential to promoting American energy dominance, which as Senator Fetterman makes clear, ‘starts in Pennsylvania.’ We absolutely agree.”

[Note: The Marcellus Shale Coalition supports expanding LNG gas exports to China, our military and economic competitor, and other countries without limit.]

Resource Links:

-- 150+ Residents Of Chester Opposed To An LNG Natural Gas Export Facility Proposed In Their Community Let Their Feelings Be Known To The House Philadelphia LNG Export Task Force [PaEN]

-- PA Marcellus Shale Gas Coalition Doubles-Down On Support For Exporting PA Natural Gas To China, Our Economic, Military Competitor [PaEN]

-- Marcellus Shale Gas Coalition Official Joins Pittsburgh-based EQT In Saying We Have A 'Duty’ To Provide LNG Gas To China, Our Economic, Military Competitor [PaEN]

-- US Senators Introduce Bill To Ban US LNG Gas Sales To Any Entity Under The Control Of Communist China To Protect US Jobs; Americans From Price Spikes; EQT Says We Have A ‘Duty’ To Provide LNG Gas To China; Where Do AMERICAN Interests Lie? [PaEN]

-- Stars and Stripes Guest Essay: Pause On Permits For New LNG Gas Exports Right Move For National Security - Rivals Like China Are Using US LNG To Build Influence [PaEN]

-- House Environmental Committee Puts Spotlight On Community Impacts Of Proposed Penn America LNG Gas Export Facility In Chester, Delaware County [PaEN]

-- Delaware RiverKeeper Network Files Lawsuit Challenging DRBC Gibbstown LNG Gas Export Facility Dock Permit [PaEN]

-- Philadelphia LNG Export Task Force Issues Report On The Best Ways To Increase Exports Of PA's Natural Gas; Minority Report Rebuts Need For LNG Facility, Outlines Impacts [PaEN]

-- PA Utility Law Project March 15 Webinar On Impacts Of LNG Gas Exports On Energy Costs For Pennsylvania Families; LNG Export Capacity To Double, Even With Permit Pause [PaEN]

-- Public Citizen: LNG Gas Exports Could Cost Pennsylvanians Up To $16 Billion More In Energy Costs [PaEN]

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