Washington: An American lawmaker has introduced a bill in the House of Representatives that would boost Taiwan’s energy security by supporting exports of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from the United States to Taiwan and safeguarding strategically important shipments.

According to Focus Taiwan, Pat Harrigan, a Republican, stated in a press release that disruptions to shipping routes linked to the Iran conflict have unsettled global energy markets and raised concerns about Taiwan’s energy supply chain. The proposed legislation, called the Taiwan Energy Security and Anti-Embargo Act, aims to ensure that Taiwan does not become vulnerable due to supply disruptions, coercion by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), or wider geopolitical instability.

Harrigan emphasized that “energy is leverage,” noting that Beijing is aware of Taiwan’s vulnerabilities. He highlighted that current global events, such as strikes in the Middle East and threats at chokepoints like the Strait of Hormuz, underscore the link between energy vulnerability and national security.

The bill advocates for cooperation between the U.S. and Taiwan in nuclear energy technology, including small modular reactor (SMR) systems, which could provide electricity less susceptible to external disruption. It also proposes expanding the authority of the U.S. Maritime Administration to offer insurance for vessels transporting critical energy, humanitarian, or other goods to Taiwan if the commercial insurance market withdraws due to military threats.

Additionally, the legislation calls for an independent analysis of whether U.S. energy export routes could be redirected toward Taiwan. The proposed measures must pass both the U.S. Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives and be signed by the president before taking effect. A Senate version of the Taiwan Energy Security and Anti-Embargo Act passed the Senate Foreign Relations Committee in late January and will be sent to the full chamber for consideration.