Bill Overview
Title: Small Scale LNG Access Act of 2022
Description: This bill expedites the approval of applications for the exportation of natural gas that do not exceed 51.75 billion cubic feet per year. Specifically, the bill deems such applications to be consistent with the public interest and requires the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to grant the applications without modification or delay. However, applications for exportation of natural gas to any nation subject to sanctions imposed by the United States may not be expedited.
Sponsors: Rep. Cammack, Kat [R-FL-3]
Target Audience
Population: individuals impacted by small-scale LNG exportation
Estimated Size: 10000000
- The global natural gas market consists of all countries that import or export natural gas, thus the bill will impact nations either exporting LNG or countries importing LNG under 51.75 billion cubic feet annually.
- The global population benefiting or facing impacts could include industries relying on natural gas, citizens benefiting from reduced energy prices, or those impacted by any adverse environmental effects.
- The legislation primarily facilitates small-scale LNG export, thus directly impacting industries and workers involved in the production, transportation, and export of LNG, as well as their local economies.
Reasoning
- The policy is primarily focused on augmenting LNG exports from the U.S., specifically benefiting industries and workers in the LNG sector, and potentially impacting gas prices domestically. The impact will likely be more pronounced in regions with significant LNG activity.
- Most of the affected individuals will be workers in the natural gas industry who may see increased job security or wages due to more robust exportation activities. Non-impacted individuals could include those in unrelated industries or regions without proximity to LNG facilities.
- Communities surrounding LNG export facilities might experience changes, either economic benefits due to increased industry activity or potential environmental concerns.
- For the general public, widespread effects might manifest through possibly lower natural gas prices, which could translate to reduced utility costs, albeit this effect might be modest given the policy's scope.
- Environmental activists and community members concerned about ecological implications might oppose the policy, which could influence local sentiments in areas near LNG operations.
Simulated Interviews
LNG Facility Worker (Louisiana)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I support initiatives that boost our LNG exports. This policy could provide job security and maybe even some overtime opportunities.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Environmental Scientist (Texas)
Age: 30 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- My concern is that increased LNG exportation could heighten environmental risks without strict safety standards.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 4 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 4 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 3 | 6 |
Small Business Owner (Pennsylvania)
Age: 38 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I hope this will mean more stable prices for natural gas, which helps my business keep costs lower for customers.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 6 |
Renewable Energy Advocate (California)
Age: 28 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm against investing in LNG if it takes focus away from renewable energy solutions that are safer for our planet.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 4 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 4 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 4 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 4 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 4 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 4 | 5 |
Natural Gas Industry Executive (Alaska)
Age: 50 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy will streamline our operations and potentially open new markets, increasing company profitability.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Retired School Teacher (Massachusetts)
Age: 60 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I worry about the environmental impact, and any small changes in gas prices might not affect me much.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 6 |
Rural Farmer (North Dakota)
Age: 34 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Any reduction in energy costs would help tight margins, but I'm also cautious about environmental impacts.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Energy Policy Analyst (Florida)
Age: 40 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I believe the policy can shore up our energy exports, though it should be balanced with sustainable practices.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Local Community Leader (Ohio)
Age: 55 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This could mean more jobs for our community, but we must be careful of environmental harm.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Tech Startup Employee (New York)
Age: 24 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I feel somewhat disconnected from energy policy, but I do care about long-term sustainability.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $5000000 (Low: $2000000, High: $10000000)
Year 2: $5000000 (Low: $2000000, High: $10000000)
Year 3: $5000000 (Low: $2000000, High: $10000000)
Year 5: $5000000 (Low: $2000000, High: $10000000)
Year 10: $5000000 (Low: $2000000, High: $10000000)
Year 100: $5000000 (Low: $2000000, High: $10000000)
Key Considerations
- Global LNG markets are volatile and subject to geopolitical shifts which could affect U.S. exports.
- Long-term environmental and climate policy changes could impact the viability and desirability of natural gas exports.
- The overlap with international sanctions introduces complexities requiring careful administrative oversight.