Bill · H.R. 8020· House(119-HR-8020)
American LNG First Act of 2026
- Introduced
- 3/19/2026
- Last activity
- 3/20/2026 — Referred to the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation.
- Sponsored by
- Scott Perry
- Cosponsors
- - 4 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill is titled the ``American LNG First Act of 2026''. It seeks to exempt certain vessels that transport liquefied natural gas from specific coastwise endorsement requirements. The legislation amends title 46 of the United States Code to allow certificates of documentation for vessels carrying methane, refrigerated liquid. However, the bill includes specific exclusions for vessels linked to Russian or Chinese ownership, flagging, or crewmembers.
Yes· 3 of 4
Would business owners be better off under this?+4
The bill reduces regulatory hurdles for businesses engaged in the liquefied natural gas transport sector.
Does this make it easier to run a small business?+3
The bill eases regulatory requirements for companies involved in the transport of liquefied natural gas.
Does this strengthen ties with allied countries?+2
The bill strengthens economic independence from Russian and Chinese energy interests through targeted exclusions.
The opposite
Does this reduce how much oil, gas and coal is produced?-1
The bill facilitates the transport of liquefied natural gas, which is a fossil fuel.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Exemption for LNG Transporting Vessels: The bill allows a certificate of documentation to be issued for vessels transporting methane, refrigerated liquid, commonly known as liquefied natural gas, which expands eligibility under Section 12103 (a)(1).
-
Updated Coastwise Endorsement: The bill amends Section 12112(a)(2)(B) to include the transport of liquefied natural gas as a qualifying activity for coastwise endorsement.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
-
Exclusions Based on Nationality or Ownership: The bill prohibits the exemption for any vessel that is owned in whole or in part by a Russian national or the Government of the Russian Federation, or a Chinese national or the Government of the People's Republic of China, as stated in Section 2(a)(2)(A).
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Restrictions on Crewmembers: The exemption does not apply to vessels that have any crewmember who is a Russian national or a Chinese national, as noted in Section 2(a)(2)(C) and (F).
-
Flag Restrictions: The bill excludes vessels that are flagged in Russia or China from receiving these exemptions under Section 2(a)(2)(B) and (E).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Business Owners+4
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Small Business Support+3
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Improves International Alliances+2
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Improves Rural Development+2Reduces Fossil Fuel Production-1
- 3/26/2026
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- 3/20/2026
- Referred to the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation.
- 3/19/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in House
Warren DavidsonRepublican · Ohio
Mark HarrisRepublican · North Carolina
Tom McClintockRepublican · California
Chip RoyRepublican · Texas