Legislation aimed at clearing a path for LNG export projects by restraining Department of Energy (DOE) oversight is under fire from the Biden administration after committee discussions Monday.

House Bill 1130, authored by Ohio Republican Rep. Bill Johnson, would amend the Natural Gas Act (NGA) requirement that U.S. liquefied natural gas projects be determined as in the public interest by DOE if the developer aims to sell cargoes to non-Free Trade Agreement (FTA) countries.

Johnson told NGI the bill is intended to reduce and simplify the permitting process for LNG projects to place them more in line with other commodities, which will help enhance the country’s energy security and geopolitical position. However, along with building international bonds through the gas market, he...