LNG Public Interest Determination Act of 2025

The LNG Public Interest Determination Act of 2025 would change how the federal government approves exports of natural gas and liquefied natural gas (LNG). Currently, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) handles these approvals. If enacted, this bill would transfer that authority to the Department of Energy (DOE) instead.

Under this bill, DOE would need to determine that natural gas exports would not significantly contribute to climate change, materially increase energy prices for U.S. consumers, or create disproportionate health or environmental burdens on rural, low-income, minority, and vulnerable communities before approving them. The bill would also require full environmental reviews for all natural gas export projects under the National Environmental Policy Act, eliminating a current exemption that allows some export projects to skip detailed environmental assessments.

If passed, this legislation could slow or restrict some natural gas export projects and make approval processes more rigorous and time-consuming. Citizens may see potential impacts on energy prices and climate-related policy, though the actual effects would depend on how DOE implements these new requirements. The bill is currently in committee and has not yet been voted on by the full House.