The bill approved by the House would leave the authority to approve or reject natural gas export projects solely with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission — removing the Energy Department’s role.
It would also require the commission to operate under the assumption that exporting natural gas is in the public’s interest.
Nine Democrats voted with Republicans
in support of the bill: Reps. Yadira Caraveo (Colo.), Jim Costa (Calif.), Henry Cuellar (Texas), Jared Golden (Maine), Vicente Gonzalez (Texas), Rick Larsen (Wash.), Mary Peltola (Alaska), Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (Wash.) and Marc Veasey (Texas).
However, the legislation is unlikely to make it through the Democrat-controlled Senate or White House
.
The vote comes after the Biden administration paused approvals for some new export projects so that it can decide whether to change its criteria for whether to permit them.
The pause does not impact existing exports or projects that are under construction.
The delay ignited significant Republican pushback, with the GOP arguing that any moves to halt U.S.-produced gas would allow for more fuel produced by countries such as Russia.
Read more at TheHill.com.
