Washington D.C. – Today, Eastern Washington Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) helped the House of Representatives pass the Unlocking Our Domestic LNG Potential Act (H.R. 7176) to reverse President Biden’s American liquified natural gas (LNG) export ban. She released the following statement after the vote:

“The President’s decision to impose a ban on new permits for clean U.S. liquefied natural gas exports puts the interests of radical environmentalists ahead of the best interests of the United States and its allies,” said Rodgers. “This ban will harm the American economy, jeopardize good paying jobs, weaken U.S. energy security, and threaten the security of our allies. I applaud the passage of H.R. 7176 to immediately reverse President Biden’s ban and protect America’s economic and national security, and that of our allies.” 

America is the largest producer and exporter of LNG in the world. As of December 2023, more than 87% of U.S. LNG exports went to the European Union, United Kingdom, or Asian markets. American LNG runs more efficiently than Russian LNG and has roughly 40% lower lifecycle emissions. Removing restrictions on LNG will allow the U.S. to export more and encourage domestic production, which will reduce American energy supply vulnerabilities, support the American economy, and help Europe reduce its reliance on Russian energy.

CLICK HERE to read the bill.

Click here or the image above to watch Cathy’s remarks on the House floor.

“I rise today in support of H.R. 7176, the ‘Unlocking our Domestic LNG Potential Act of 2024,’ introduced by my friend Representative August Pfluger.   

“President Biden’s decision to impose a ban on issuing permits to export natural gas is just the latest example of his administration caving to environmentalist activists and putting politics over the American people. This ban will harm the American economy, jeopardize good paying jobs, weaken our energy security, and it threatens the security of our friends and allies.   

“America has become the number one producer and exporter of liquefied natural gas in the world. This has strengthened our economy, reduced costs for the American people, and enabled the United States to lead in reducing emissions more than any other nation, both here at home and abroad.  

“American LNG has been a lifeline, especially our European allies, since Russia invaded Ukraine. Since the invasion, American LNG has helped them reduce their natural gas prices by over 83% and reduce their dependence on Russia. 

“President Biden’s ban sends a signal to our allies that we’re no longer a dependable energy partner.  

“This is unacceptable.  

“H.R. 7176 will immediately reverse the President’s decision, allowing the U.S. to export more and encouraging domestic production here at home, which will then reduce American energy supply vulnerabilities. 

“This will reduce American energy supply vulnerabilities and encourage investments in other industries, like manufacturing. Some estimate that LNG exports could add as much as $73 billion to our economy and more than 450,000 American jobs by 2040. 

“LNG is vital to America’s energy leadership, our security, and our future. I urge my colleagues to support this bill.” 

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