Pfluger, Lee Introduce Legislation to Reverse Biden-Era LNG Regulation

WASHINGTON, DC — Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11) and Congresswoman Laurel Lee (FL-15) introduced legislation to reverse a misguided Biden-era regulation on American LNG Exports, as first reported in The Daily Caller. 

The Cutting LNG Bunkering Red Tape Act codifies a Trump-era Department of Energy (DOE) order clarifying that ship-to-ship transfers of liquefied natural gas (LNG) used as marine fuel—commonly known as LNG bunkering—are not considered exports under Section 3 of the Natural Gas Act unless conducted in foreign waters. 

“LNG exports unequivocally benefit our economy, domestic prices, national security, and partners and allies around the world that want our product," said Rep. Pfluger. "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 its use as a cleaner, more efficient fuel source for maritime transportation. I am proud to lead this legislation with my good friend from Florida, Representative Laurel Lee.”

“The Biden Administration’s harmful energy policies have created unnecessary regulatory burdens that stall innovation and weaken American energy leadership,” said Rep. Lee. “Liquefied natural gas is a more efficient, cleaner, and cost-effective energy source. My bill ensures that LNG bunkering is not hindered by red tape, so that ports in Florida and across the nation can continue to expand, drive job creation, and compete globally.”

Read the full text of this legislation here.

Background:

• In December 2024, the Biden Administration issued a DOE order that asserted new oversight for LNG bunkering—transfers between ships in U.S. ports—subjecting it to burdensome federal regulations and requiring a public interest determination under the Natural Gas Act.
• This policy disrupted domestic LNG markets and created unnecessary red tape for companies investing in LNG infrastructure and fuel options.
• The Trump Administration later reversed the Biden-era interpretation, clarifying that LNG bunkering is not an export unless it occurs in foreign waters.
• This bill codifies this Trump-era decision, ensuring long-term regulatory certainty and allowing the U.S. LNG market to continue growing without additional federal barriers.