Former Republican Officials Urge Congress to Reverse Biden’s Pause on LNG Exports
Former Republican Officials Advocate for LNG Exports
Dozens of former officials from the past two Republican U.S. administrations are urging Congress to reverse the Biden administration’s pause on approvals of liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports. They argue that LNG shipments promote global stability and are crucial for advancing economic, energy, and geopolitical interests while leading on environmental progress.
Biden Administration’s Pause on LNG Exports
President Joe Biden halted approvals of exports of pending and future LNG projects to major markets in Asia and Europe in order to review the environmental and economic impacts of the rapidly growing LNG business. This decision came after pressure from environmentalists concerned about greenhouse gas emissions and pollution from LNG plants near vulnerable communities.
Former Officials’ Plea to Lawmakers
The 35 officials, including Rick Perry and Dan Brouillette, energy secretaries under former President Donald Trump, wrote to lawmakers heading energy and foreign affairs committees in the House of Representatives and the Senate, emphasizing the importance of reversing the pause on LNG exports.
Impact of U.S. LNG Exports
U.S. LNG exports to Europe have increased, particularly after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. With exports expected to double by the end of the decade, the House is set to vote on a bill that would transfer the authority to approve exports from the Department of Energy to the independent Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.
Challenges in Congress
The legislation to strip the Department of Energy’s power to approve exports may face challenges in the Senate, and some lawmakers have expressed reservations about it. Senator Joe Manchin, a Democrat who opposes the pause on LNG exports, has indicated that he is not in favor of taking away anyone’s authority.
Engagement with Biden Administration
The letter from the former officials was also sent to Biden administration officials. Deputy Energy Secretary David Turk has stated that the administration is engaging with allies and partners to discuss the pause on LNG exports and is confident about gas supply going forward.
