A Democratic bill with 3 Democratic cosponsors · See all 4 cosponsors
Last activity — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The bill is called the Lowering American Energy Costs Act of 2025. It aims to amend the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to stop the export of natural gas produced in the United States. The main goal is to keep domestic energy costs low for everyday Americans and local industries. The legislation allows the President to issue exemptions if exports are deemed consistent with the national interest or national security. However, any presidential exemption must be approved by a joint resolution of Congress before it can go into effect.
Yes· 3 of 19
- Scored +4
Does this give people more protection from unfair business practices?
Prohibiting natural gas exports is intended to protect everyday consumers from high price volatility and lower their household utility bills.
- Scored +3
Would households on low incomes be better off under this?
Lower energy prices directly alleviate the burden of utility costs for low-income households.
- Scored +3
Would middle-income households be better off under this?
Middle-class households save money on yearly natural gas and electricity bills.
The opposite
- Scored -3
Does this make trade with other countries easier?
Restricting natural gas exports creates barriers to international trade and energy markets.
- Scored -2
Does this strengthen ties with allied countries?
Banning natural gas exports could negatively impact international allies who rely on U.S. liquefied natural gas for their energy supplies.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Lower Household Energy Bills: According to Section 2, the bill relies on findings that natural gas exports drive up domestic energy prices. By stopping these exports, everyday people could save money on their yearly natural gas and electricity bills.
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Relief for the Industrial Sector: Section 2 notes that rising liquefied natural gas exports cost the United States industrial sector billions of dollars in higher energy costs. Restricting these exports could relieve businesses of this heavy financial burden.
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Reduced Price Volatility: Section 2 states that global natural gas market volatility increases costs for domestic consumers. Keeping the gas at home could protect regular families from sudden price spikes.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No Specific Negative Provisions: The provided text of the bill does not outline any specific negative outcomes, burdens, or penalties for individuals or groups of people within the United States.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would business owners be better off under this? — Domestic industrial and business sectors save significantly on energy costs by keeping natural gas supplies local. Would households on low incomes be better off under this? — Lower energy prices directly alleviate the burden of utility costs for low-income households. Would middle-income households be better off under this? — Middle-class households save money on yearly natural gas and electricity bills. Would children be better off under this? — Lower household utility bills can slightly improve the financial well-being of families raising children. Would people in middle age be better off under this? — Middle-aged homeowners and renters benefit from reduced domestic energy costs. Would retired people be better off under this? — Retirees on fixed incomes benefit from lower monthly utility bills. Would people in rural areas be better off under this? — Rural communities situated near energy infrastructure may see reduced environmental pollution burdens. Would people over 65 be better off under this? — Fixed-income seniors benefit from lowered household energy and heating expenses. Would people in cities be better off under this? — Urban residents benefit from lower electricity and power generation costs tied to natural gas prices. Would people in their twenties and thirties be better off under this? — Reduced electricity and heating costs benefit young adults managing their own households.
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Does this better protect air, water and wildlife? — The legislation acknowledges the negative environmental and health impacts of natural gas infrastructure on surrounding communities. Does this cut the pollution that drives climate change? — Curtailing natural gas extraction and infrastructure expansion for export purposes can help reduce overall greenhouse gas emissions and methane leakage. Is this likely to lower the price at the pump? — The primary intent of the bill is to lower domestic natural gas and electricity prices for American consumers. Does this reduce how much oil, gas and coal is produced? — Banning exports may disincentivize excessive domestic fossil fuel production targeted for overseas markets.
- Economy And Finance
- Does this give people more protection from unfair business practices? — Prohibiting natural gas exports is intended to protect everyday consumers from high price volatility and lower their household utility bills. Does this make it easier to run a small business? — The bill provides relief to domestic industries and businesses facing high energy costs by keeping natural gas supplies within the United States. Is this likely to slow the rise in prices? — By banning natural gas exports to keep domestic energy costs low, the bill aims to reduce inflationary pressures on household energy expenses.
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Does this make trade with other countries easier? — Restricting natural gas exports creates barriers to international trade and energy markets. Does this strengthen ties with allied countries? — Banning natural gas exports could negatively impact international allies who rely on U.S. liquefied natural gas for their energy supplies.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this give the federal government more power? — The bill grants the President authority to restrict exports and requires congressional joint resolutions for exemptions, expanding federal regulatory scope over energy markets.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Is this likely to lift people out of poverty? — Lowering household energy bills provides modest financial relief to low-income households struggling with utility expenses.
- 12/17/2025
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.
- 4 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in Senate
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Jeff MerkleyDemocrat · Oregon
Bernie SandersIndependent · Vermont
Ron WydenDemocrat · Oregon
Elizabeth WarrenDemocrat · Massachusetts