Unlocking Domestic LNG Potential Act of 2025

The Unlocking Domestic LNG Potential Act of 2025 would, according to the text provided, shift the federal regulation of LNG facilities so that the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has exclusive authority to approve or deny applications for siting, construction, expansion, or operation of facilities that export or import natural gas, including LNG terminals. The bill would also add a strong public-interest presumption in favor of approvals, by requiring FERC to deem exports or imports of natural gas to be consistent with the public interest when evaluating applications. It reconfigures the Natural Gas Act’s section on LNG terminals, and adds a rule of construction stating that the President retains authority under existing laws to prohibit imports or exports of natural gas, including in cases involving state sponsors of terrorism. It defines “state sponsor of terrorism” and lists several federal laws related to sanctions and emergency powers that would still apply. In short, the bill centralizes LNG export/import approvals under FERC, creates a strong pro-approval presumption, while preserving national-security and sanctions authorities under other laws. It also clarifies that other federal agencies’ authorities remain intact only to the extent provided by the Act.