The House passed legislation Wednesday expediting liquefied natural gas exports to nations that lack free-trade agreements with the United States, the latest development in a months-long Capitol Hill debate about whether to send the energy resource abroad.

Rep. Cory Gardner‘s bill passed 266-150, with 46 Democrats joining Republicans and two GOP lawmakers opposing the measure. The legislation would require the Energy Department to rule on applications within 30 days after developers complete a National Environmental Policy Act review.

Recommended Stories

Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz: Geopolitical concerns will matter in natural gas exports

Energy Department official says Senate natural gas bill is workable

States, energy industry push to kill ban on oil exports