House passes bill aimed at expediting natural gas exports

The Republican-controlled House has passed a bill aimed at expediting approvals of natural gas exports.

In a 277-133 vote on Wednesday, the House approved a bill giving the Energy Department a 30-day deadline to authorize natural gas exports from facilities after they are reviewed and approved.

It's the third energy-related bill passed by the House this Congress. They've also approved bills authorizing construction of the Keystone XL oil pipeline and fast-tracking new natural gas pipelines.

The natural gas boom has revived a push for liquefied natural gas exports from coastal terminals. Nearly all U.S. natural gas exports today are by pipeline.

More than three dozen applications to build export terminals are pending and have yet to reach the Energy Department. DOE has authorized natural gas exports from four projects.