The resolution, Substitute House Resolution No. 9, calls on the United States Congress to amend the Jones Act, specifically to exempt the transportation of domestic liquefied natural gas (LNG) between U.S. ports from its regulations. The Jones Act, enacted in 1920, mandates that vessels transporting cargo between U.S. ports must be built, owned, and crewed by U.S. citizens, which has led to a shortage of compliant vessels for transporting LNG. This has resulted in increased costs for LNG, which is a significant energy source for states like Connecticut and Puerto Rico, where a large percentage of electricity is generated from natural gas.

The resolution highlights the unintended consequences of the Jones Act, noting that it limits the domestic import of essential goods like LNG and has been cited as raising costs by as much as thirty percent. By memorializing Congress to make this amendment, the Connecticut General Assembly aims to alleviate these issues and improve access to domestic LNG. The resolution has no fiscal impact on the state or municipalities, as it is a request for legislative action at the federal level.