GOP lawmaker moves to cut Biden-era maritime red tape, boost key energy resource

Republican Florida Rep. Laurel Lee introduced legislation Friday that would help block future Democrat administrations from adding red tape on liquified natural gas (LNG) bunkering, a term describing the ship-to-ship transfer of liquefied natural gas (LNG) to use as marine fuel.

The Cutting LNG Bunkering Red Tape Act would amend the Natural Gas Act to clarify that bunkering is not an export to cut down on overbearing federal regulations that burden American businesses, according to the bill’s text and Lee’s office. President Donald Trump reversed a Biden-era order requiring additional oversight of bunkering, and Lee’s legislation would effectively codify Trump’s action into law.

“LNG is one of the most promising energy solutions for the maritime industry, and Florida is leading the way in its use. The Biden Administration’s attempt to classify domestic LNG bunkering as an export created unnecessary red tape that hurt American businesses and slowed innovation,” Lee said. “My bill ensures that this growing industry has the clarity and certainty it needs to thrive — supporting jobs, strengthening our energy independence, and keeping our ports competitive.”

Cutting LNG Bunkering Red Tape Act by audreystreb on Scribd

Specifically, Lee’s legislation would ensure that LNG bunkering in U.S. waters would not be considered an export. The bill is co-led by Republican Texas Rep. August Pfluger.

“LNG exports unequivocally benefit our economy, domestic prices, national security, and partners and allies around the world that want our product,” Pfluger said. “Unfortunately, the Biden Administration spent four years imposing one regulation after another on these exports, stifling the energy industry. This legislation permanently reverses one of these misguided policies to ensure American LNG can compete on the global stage by removing regulatory uncertainty and streamlining the use of it as a cleaner, more efficient fuel source for maritime transportation.”

The Biden administration cracked down on the LNG industry by unilaterally freezing export permits for nearly a year beginning in January 2024, even suppressing an internal study that would have contradicted the Biden administration’s justification for the pause, the Daily Caller News Foundation reported.

The American LNG industry has emerged as a giant in the energy sector in recent decades, with the U.S. now leading the world in LNG exports after being projected to be a net importer as late as 2010, according to S&P Global.

Trump’s administration has made several massive international LNG deals in recent weeks, including one $550 billion deal with Japan on Tuesday.

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