The Connecticut General Assembly has adopted a resolution urging 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, established in 1920, mandates that vessels transporting cargo between U.S. ports must be built, owned, and crewed by U.S. citizens. While the act was designed to bolster military readiness and support domestic shipbuilding, it has inadvertently led to increased costs and logistical challenges for states like Connecticut and territories like Puerto Rico, which rely heavily on natural gas for electricity generation.

The resolution highlights that approximately 65% of Connecticut's electricity and 23% of Puerto Rico's electricity is generated from natural gas, yet there is a shortage of compliant vessels to transport LNG. The Jones Act has been cited as a factor that raises the cost of LNG by as much as 30%, limiting domestic imports of this critical resource. By calling for an amendment to the Jones Act, the resolution aims to facilitate more efficient transportation of LNG, ultimately benefiting energy costs and availability in Connecticut and Puerto Rico. The resolution will be communicated to each member of Connecticut's congressional delegation.