Lowering American Energy Costs Act of 2025

Summary

Directs the President to issue a rule banning exports of natural gas produced in the United States, with only narrow exemptions allowed for actions that the President finds consistent with the national interest or critical for national security — and requires congressional approval by joint resolution before any exemption can take effect. Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act by adding this export-restriction authority and makes minor conforming changes to a 2016 statute. The bill is framed by findings that increased U.S. LNG exports raise domestic natural gas and electricity prices, increase price volatility, and impose economic and health burdens on households and overburdened communities. It does not appropriate funds or set a timetable for implementation in the text provided; it instead creates a new executive rulemaking duty with tight constraints on when exports may be allowed again.

Key Points

• Creates a statutory requirement for the President to promulgate a rule banning exports of U.S.-produced natural gas, subject only to limited exemptions.
• Exemptions for exports must be based on a presidential finding (national interest or national security) and then approved by a joint resolution of Congress before taking effect.
• Cites federal and nonfederal studies asserting that higher LNG exports raise domestic gas and electricity prices, increase volatility, and impose household and industrial costs.
• Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act by inserting a new export-restriction provision and makes clerical changes to an earlier statute.
• Does not appropriate funds or set a specific effective date or timeline for implementation in the text provided.
• Shifts export-approval power from executive agencies alone to a system that requires explicit congressional approval for exceptions.
• Likely to affect producers, exporters, utilities, industrial consumers, and communities near gas infrastructure; may prompt contract, regulatory, and trade disputes.
• May reduce pressures for new pipeline and LNG terminal expansion in overburdened communities and could lower some local pollution and methane emissions, depending on market responses.
• Creates potential geopolitical and energy-security tradeoffs because allies and partners that rely on U.S. LNG could be affected, though national security exemptions exist.
• Could face legal and practical challenges around existing export authorizations, international obligations, and the mechanics of implementing a broad export ban.

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