Congress·In Committee·H.R. 6851

House Bill Would Ban U.S. Natural Gas Exports to Lower Home Energy Prices

Lowering American Energy Costs Act of 2025

3 months ago·View on Congress.gov

Legislative Progress

House

Senate

President

Law

Key Points

Congress proposes banning exports of U.S.-produced natural gas to keep gas and electricity prices lower at home.
The bill would require the President to write a rule that stops exports, with limited exceptions for national interest or national security.
Any exception would need approval from Congress before it can take effect, adding a check on export carve-outs.
Supporters argue exports raise U.S. energy bills and price swings; the bill cites studies projecting higher household and industry costs tied to export growth.
The bill also points to climate and health concerns from more gas production, pipelines, and export terminals, especially near affected communities.

EnergyTradeClimate ChangeEnvironment

Impact Analysis

Personal Impact

How this policy affects specific groups of people

Mixed Impacts(1)

Military Active

Neutral

Positive Impacts(3)

Housing Assistance

Helps

Union Member

Helps

Chronic Illness

Helps

Milestones

2 milestones2 actions

Dec 18, 2025House

Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

Dec 18, 2025

Introduced in House

What Happens Next

Projected impacts based on AI analysis

After the bill becomes law; likely months, depending on rulemaking speed

Trump issues (or directs issuance of) a rule restricting natural gas exports

Export approvals could start tightening, and energy markets may react even before exports fully stop (prices and contracts can shift).

After public notice/final rule steps; timing depends on how the rule is written

A rule is finalized that prohibits export of U.S.-produced natural gas

LNG export shipments would largely stop unless an exemption is approved; domestic supply could increase, which may lower or stabilize gas and some electricity prices.

Whenever the President seeks an exemption after the ban rule is in place

Any requested exemptions are sent to Congress for approval by joint resolution

Exports for certain security or ally-related reasons would not start unless Congress votes yes; this adds a political checkpoint that can delay or block exemptions.

After Congress approves an exemption; timing depends on legislative action

If exemptions are approved, limited exports resume for the approved purpose

Some exports could continue, which might reduce the size of domestic price relief, but could support allies or security needs.

Related News

2 articles

Communications Daily·3 months ago

Bill Would Curb US Exports of Natural Gas

Sen. Edward Markey and Reps. Adriano Espaillat and Yvette Clarke introduced the Lowering American Energy Costs Act to prohibit most U.S. exports of natural gas. The legislation requires any presidential exemption to be approved by a joint resolution of Congress before taking effect.

Brooklyn Eagle·3 months ago

Rep. Clarke backs bill prohibiting U.S. exports of natural gas abroad

Rep. Yvette Clarke joined fellow Democrats to introduce the Lowering American Energy Costs Act. The bill directs the president to prohibit most U.S. exports of natural gas, a move designed to protect consumers from utility price hikes and reduce greenhouse gases.

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