Duval Times

US Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) has raised concerns about the Biden Administration's decision to pause the issuance of natural gas export permits. In a letter addressed to Government Accountability Office Comptroller Gene Dodaro, Rubio questions whether the administration's decision is eligible for congressional review under the Congressional Review Act (CRA). Rubio argues that the pause in question may be considered a "rule" and therefore subject to the CRA.

Rubio's letter states, "The DOE's pause in issuing determinations for natural gas export permits for non-Free Trade Agreement countries under the Natural Gas Act is a policy that has not been explicitly agreed to by Congress." He points out that while the Natural Gas Act grants the DOE the authority to approve export permits if they are found to be in the public interest, it does not authorize the DOE to unconditionally withhold determinations for undefined periods of time. Rubio therefore requests a determination on whether the pause can be considered a "rule" and subject to review under the CRA.

The Biden Administration's decision to pause natural gas exports has raised concerns about its potential impact on the global economy and national security interests. Natural gas exports have played a significant role in promoting economic growth and energy security for the United States. The pause in export permits could disrupt these benefits and have far-reaching consequences.

Rubio's questioning of the administration's authority highlights the need for transparency and accountability in decision-making processes. The CRA provides a mechanism for Congress to review and potentially overturn agency regulations. By seeking clarification on whether the pause in natural gas export permits qualifies as a "rule" under the CRA, Rubio aims to ensure that the administration's actions are subject to appropriate scrutiny.

The Government Accountability Office will now review Rubio's letter and determine whether the pause in natural gas export permits falls within the scope of the CRA. This review will shed light on the legal basis for the Biden Administration's decision and provide clarity on the potential avenues for congressional oversight.

The outcome of this review will have significant implications for the future of natural gas exports and the authority of the executive branch to impose such pauses. It will also set a precedent for how future administrations can exercise their discretion in matters related to energy policy and international trade.

As the review process unfolds, stakeholders in the energy industry and beyond will be closely watching the developments. The outcome of this inquiry will shape the trajectory of natural gas exports and have broader implications for the United States' energy strategy and global economic relations.

In the coming weeks, we can expect further discussions and debates surrounding the Biden Administration's decision to pause natural gas exports. The determination of whether the pause qualifies as a "rule" under the CRA will provide valuable insights into the legal and procedural aspects of the administration's actions.