HR 8020
American LNG First Act of 2026
Take action
Record your position on this measure.
Sign in to record your position, submit testimony, or contact your legislator.
Sign in to take action- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To President
- Became Law
Bill overview
The American LNG First Act of 2026 aims to streamline the process for transporting liquefied natural gas (LNG) by exempting certain vessels from traditional coastwise endorsement requirements. Specifically, it allows for the issuance of documentation for vessels transporting LNG, with certain restrictions. The bill also modifies existing regulations to explicitly include LNG transport within the scope of required endorsements.
Key provisions
- Allows vessels transporting LNG to receive a certificate of documentation.
- Exempts LNG-carrying vessels from certain coastwise endorsement requirements.
- Specifies vessels excluded from the exemption based on ownership or nationality.
- Restricts exemptions to vessels owned or operated by Russian or Chinese nationals or entities.
- Modifies regulations to include LNG transport within the scope of required endorsements.
Who is affected
- Shipping companies
- Vessel owners
- Maritime industry
- United States Coast Guard
- International trade
Notable changes
- Expands the types of vessels eligible for documentation.
- Creates an exception to coastwise endorsement requirements for LNG transport.
- Imposes restrictions on who can own or operate vessels transporting LNG.
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsor
Cosponsors
Arguments in favor
Reasons to support this legislation.
No arguments in favor have been submitted.
Submit yoursArguments opposed
Reasons to oppose this legislation.
No arguments opposed have been submitted.
Submit yoursRead the latest version inline or switch to a previous version.
119th CONGRESS — 2d Session
H. R. 8020
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
A BILL
To exempt certain vessels transporting liquefied natural gas from certain coastwise endorsement requirements, and for other purposes.
This Act may be cited as the American LNG First Act of 2026
.
Notwithstanding subsection (a), a certificate of documentation may be issued under this chapter for any vessel transporting methane, refrigerated liquid, commonly known as liquefied natural gas.
Paragraph (1) shall not apply to—
a vessel that is owned, in whole or in part, by—
a Russian national; or
the Government of the Russian Federation;
a Russian-flagged vessel;
a vessel for which any crewmember is a Russian national;
a Chinese national; or
the Government of the People’s Republic of China;
a Chinese-flagged vessel; or
a vessel for which any crewmember is a Chinese national.
in clause (ii) by striking or
at the end;
in clause (iii) by striking and
at the end and inserting or
; and
by adding at the end the following: