Bilirakis, Cammack and Republican Colleagues Introduce the Small-Scale LNG Access Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Representatives Gus Bilirakis, Kat Cammack, Carlos Gimenez, Maria Elvira Salazar, Brian Mast, Greg Steube, Neal Dunn, Richard Hudson and Buddy Carter have introduced the House companion to S.3145, the Small-Scale LNG Access Act. Introduced in the Senate by Senator Bill Cassidy (R-LA). Florida Senators Marco Rubio and Rick Scott are also sponsors of the Senate version of the bill. The bill highlights the importance of U.S. liquified natural gas (LNG) to America's energy independence and national security. As a global leader in the export of LNG, the United States faces fierce competition from dangerous foreign regimes, including Russia and Iran. With current geopolitical concerns, investing in LNG at any scale will provide long-term benefits, support American jobs, foster American energy independence, and ensure the U.S. leads the way as a leading producer of clean energy.

"Now, more than ever, it is abundantly clear that we must embrace an "all of the above" energy strategy that allows us to regain energy independence and end our reliance on foreign, unstable regimes," said Rep. Gus Bilirakis. "New and emerging technologies, including LNG exports, will allow the United States to better harness the existing swath of available energy sources in order to strengthen our national security."

"At a time when it's critical to move away from our dependence on Russia and Venezuela for our energy needs, the Small-Scale LNG Act will further unlock our capacity for domestic production," said Rep. Cammack. "Florida has an important role to play in this emerging sector and it's past time we reinforce the importance of our LNG export capabilities."

"The United States cannot continue to cede energy production to countries like Russia and Iran," said Dr. Cassidy. "Producing cleaner-burning natural gas here in the U.S. creates American jobs and exporting it abroad decreases global emissions. This bill benefits Louisiana workers, unleashes our energy dominance, and improves our environment."

"Expediting approval of small-scale natural gas exports would strengthen an emerging sector of Florida's economy and bolster our existing ties with Caribbean and Latin American nations," said Senator Rubio. "Importantly, the bill would also ensure that bad actors, including the criminal regimes in Venezuela and Cuba, do not benefit from expedited access to American energy exports while they continue to undermine democracy and commit human rights atrocities."

"Reducing the burden of federal regulations will mean more good paying jobs for Florida families in the emerging industry of small-scale natural gas exports. Anything we can do to make LNG more accessible and cost-effective to our partners throughout Latin America and the Caribbean, and decrease their reliance on Maduro and Venezuelan oil is good for the United States," said Senator Scott.