Bill · S. 1274· Senate(119-S-1274)
Protecting American Households From Rising Energy Costs Act of 2025
- Introduced
- 4/3/2025
- Last activity
- 4/3/2025 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.
- Sponsored by
- Jeff Merkley
- Cosponsors
- - 1 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, known as the "Protecting American Households From Rising Energy Costs Act of 2025," aims to prohibit the export of liquefied natural gas and petroleum products to specific countries. These prohibited destinations include the People's Republic of China (or the Chinese Communist Party), the Russian Federation, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, and the Islamic Republic of Iran. The ban applies to direct or indirect exports and includes entities owned or controlled by these nations. The Secretary of Energy may issue waivers only in cases of an imminent and acute national security emergency. The Act also establishes strict civil and criminal penalties for those who violate these prohibitions.
Yes· 3 of 4
Does this give the federal government more power?+4
The bill expands the Secretary of Energy's authority to prohibit specific trades and issue waivers.
Does this strengthen ties with allied countries?+3
Reducing energy exports to adversarial nations can strengthen strategic leverage and alliances.
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?+2
Requires notice to Congress after issuing waivers, increasing oversight.
The opposite
Would business owners be better off under this?-3
Energy exporters face significant risks of massive fines and restricted market access.
Does this make trade with other countries easier?-2
The ban restricts trade relations with several major global economies.
Is this likely to grow the economy?-1
Export restrictions may slightly limit revenue opportunities for domestic energy exporters.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
National Security Protections: The bill allows the Secretary of Energy to issue waivers only when there is an "imminent and acute national security emergency to the United States" and other responses are inadequate (Section 3(b)(2)).
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Accountability and Compliance: The act places the responsibility on export authorization holders to ensure they are following all applicable laws and regulations, including those from the Office of Foreign Assets Control and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (Section 3(a)(2)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
-
Significant Financial Penalties: Individuals or entities that violate the act could face civil penalties up to $250,000,000 or twice the amount of the transaction, as well as civil actions in court (Section 4(b)).
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Criminal Consequences: Those who knowingly violate, attempt to violate, or conspire to violate the law face fines of up to $100,000,000 and potential imprisonment for up to 20 years (Section 4(c)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Governance And Ideology
- Increases Federal Power+4Improves Government Transparency+2Improves Due Process+1
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Business Owners-3
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Economic Growth-1
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Improves International Alliances+3Improves International Trade-2
- 4/3/2025
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in Senate
Angus KingIndependent · Maine
John ReedDemocrat · Rhode Island