House Bill Would Shift LNG Approvals to FERC, Streamline U.S. Project Reviews

The Energy Workforce & Technology Council is backing new legislation that would move LNG approval authority from the Department of Energy to FERC, aiming to streamline project reviews and reduce delays for U.S. LNG facilities.

(P&GJ) — The Energy Workforce & Technology Council (EWTC) is praising House passage of H.R. 1949, a bill that would overhaul how U.S. LNG export projects are approved by shifting key authority to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. The “Unlocking Our Domestic LNG Potential Act,” introduced by Rep. August Pfluger, would remove longstanding Natural Gas Act restrictions and streamline federal oversight of LNG facilities.

If enacted, the measure would transfer full siting, construction and operational approval authority for LNG terminals from the Department of Energy to FERC — a move supporters say would provide more certainty for developers facing long review timelines.

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“America should not be tying its own hands when the world is demanding more reliable American energy,” EWTC President Tim Tarpley said. “This bill cuts out needless bureaucracy, strengthens our LNG leadership, and gives operators the clarity they need to build, invest, and compete. American LNG is a win for the US and a win for our allies abroad. The Unlocking our Domestic LNG Potential Act is a smart, straightforward step that keeps American energy moving forward.”

EWTC said the legislation would help clear regulatory bottlenecks that have slowed multiple LNG projects in recent years. The group also emphasized that faster federal reviews support the broader supply chain required to build and operate LNG export terminals.

The Council urged the Senate to advance the legislation, calling it critical for U.S. energy security and for meeting rising global LNG demand.