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Texas Speaker of the House Dade Phelan announced Monday the creation of a select committee to examine the extensive impacts to Texas of the Biden Administration’s temporary pause on export permits for liquified natural gas (LNG).

The five-member House Select Committee on Protecting Texas LNG Exports is tasked with analyzing the federal government’s legal authority to take such action; assessing the potential economic, environmental and social impacts on the state; identifying strategies to mitigate negative consequences on the LNG industry, the state’s energy sector and Texas economy; and making recommendations to address the challenges posed by a federal suspension.

“Texas is one of America’s top exporters of liquified natural gas, supplying affordable, reliable energy to our nation and our allies around the globe while providing good-paying jobs for hardworking Texans,” Phelan said.

“President Biden’s abrupt decision earlier this year to pause pending approvals of LNG export projects will likely have significant economic implications for Texas, and it is important we fully understand what a prolonged pause would mean for our state’s thriving energy sector.

“With the oil and gas industry supporting hundreds of thousands of jobs statewide and serving as a key driver of community investments—including in the Southeast Texas House District I represent—we cannot idly stand by and let the federal government attempt to undermine this critical industry.”

Phelan appointed the following Texas House members to serve:

Representative Jared Patterson, Chair

Representative Brooks Landgraf

Representative Christian Manuel

Representative Mary Ann Perez

Representative Cody Vasut

The select committee is requested to submit a report on its findings by May 13 that includes recommended legislative, policy or other actions to address the challenges posed by the federal suspension of LNG export permits.