Congressman Pat Harrigan Votes to Strengthen America’s Energy Independence

Contact: Lexi Kranich (814) 380-4408

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, Congressman Pat Harrigan (NC-10) voted to pass H.R. 1949, the Unlocking Our Domestic LNG Potential Act, legislation that removes federal barriers on natural gas imports and exports and restores America’s ability to meet rising energy demand at home and abroad.

“The Biden Administration’s freeze on LNG exports created uncertainty for producers, discouraged investment, and pushed our allies back toward Russian energy,” said Congressman Harrigan. “This bill ends that obstruction and puts the permitting authority in one place, so American energy can actually move. When we cut red tape and give our producers a fair process, we lower costs for families and strengthen our national security at the same time.”

H.R. 1949 overturns the Biden–Harris Administration’s indefinite ban on LNG export approvals and streamlines the permitting process by giving FERC exclusive authority to approve or deny LNG import and export facilities. The bill preserves all existing environmental and safety reviews and maintains the President’s ability to impose national security–related sanctions.

With House passage, H.R. 1949 will now advance to the Senate for consideration, where Congressman Harrigan is urging prompt action to protect American energy leadership.