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HR 9

RESOLUTION MEMORIALIZING CONGRESS TO AMEND THE JONES ACT TO EXEMPT THE TRANSPORTATION OF DOMESTIC LIQUEFIED NATURAL GAS.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Anne Hughes and 4 co-sponsors

Connecticut urges Congress to exempt domestic liquefied natural gas from Jones Act maritime shipping restrictions to reduce transportation costs.

FILE NO. 566
#internationaltrade #liquefiednaturalgas #puertorico
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HR 9

Legislative bill overview

This Connecticut House resolution urges the U.S. Congress to amend the Jones Act—a 1920 maritime law requiring vessels transporting cargo between U.S. ports to be U.S.-built and U.S.-crewed—to create an exemption for domestically-produced liquefied natural gas (LNG). The resolution is non-binding and represents Connecticut's position on federal maritime policy rather than state law.

Why is this important

The Jones Act significantly increases shipping costs for domestic cargo by limiting competition to U.S. vessels, which are substantially more expensive to build and operate than foreign alternatives. An LNG exemption could lower energy transportation costs and potentially make domestic natural gas exports more competitive globally, affecting energy prices, Connecticut's energy independence strategy, and regional economic development around LNG facilities.

Potential points of contention

  • Environmental concerns: Some view LNG expansion skeptically due to climate implications of natural gas promotion, while others see it as a cleaner alternative to coal and oil
  • Maritime industry opposition: U.S. shipping companies and unions depend on Jones Act protections; exempting LNG could invite broader erosion of the act's coverage
  • Economic benefits distribution: Benefits may concentrate among energy companies and exporters rather than consumers, and Connecticut's specific economic interest in this exemption is unclear from the bill text

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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