The House Eases Restrictions on Natural Gas Exportation

This week, the House voted to ease restrictions on the export of natural gas. The legislation is set to hit the floor amid backlash to the Energy Department's decision last month to pause new liquefied natural gas export permits. The bill sponsored by Rep. Pfluger (R-TX) would give the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) sole authority over permitting export facilities, removing a requirement that the Energy Department also give its approval.  The administration said the pause is intended to allow for review of the national security, along with economic and climate impacts of any new permits. At a Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee hearing last week, Deputy Secretary of Energy Turk argued the review will ensure future exports benefit American consumers and allies.  Committee Chairman Manchin (D-WV) joined House and Senate Republicans in calling the pause a "political ploy" intended to win over climate activists in an election year.