LNG Public Interest Determination Act of 2025

This bill, titled the "LNG Public Interest Determination Act of 2025," significantly amends the Natural Gas Act by altering the criteria for approving natural gas exports. It mandates that the Secretary of Energy must issue an order authorizing natural gas exports only if the proposed exportation is found to be consistent with the public interest , based on new, specific considerations. These considerations include whether the export will significantly contribute to climate change , materially increase energy prices for U.S. consumers, or create a disproportionate cumulative burden on environmental justice communities. To make this public interest finding, the Secretary must conduct detailed assessments. A climate change assessment will quantify lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions using a 20-year global warming potential for methane, compare emissions to net-zero goals, and evaluate impacts on clean energy alternatives. An economic assessment will analyze the impact on all U.S. consumers, including specific subgroups like low-income families and small businesses. An environmental justice assessment will consider cumulative environmental burdens, impacts on local fisheries, and racial/socioeconomic disparities in affected communities. The bill also requires robust public participation , ensuring access for communities with environmental justice concerns, and declares that export authorization orders will be considered a major Federal action under the National Environmental Policy Act, effectively terminating a previous categorical exclusion for such approvals.