The Center for LNG welcomes the July 1st injunction on the pause and encourages the administration to return to reviewing and approving projects before the DOE.
The Center for LNG is strongly opposed to the administration’s pause on U.S. LNG export authorizations and its Executive Director, Charlie Riedl, testified to U.S. LNG’s many benefits both at home and abroad during a February 2024 U.S. Senate Committee hearing on Energy and Natural Resources.
“America’s rich natural gas resources have positioned us as a global leader in LNG exports, but U.S. LNG is not just a commodity; it is pivotal for reducing global emissions, creating jobs, ensuring economic stability in a rapidly expanding sector and strengthening America’s diplomatic ties. This is especially true with allies in Europe and Asia. At a time when energy security and climate change are critical global issues, the significance of U.S. LNG cannot be overstated.” – Riedl
Riedl’s full written testimony can be viewed here.
Below, please find additional resources to support these claims and the reinstatement of export authorizations for U.S. LNG.
Why is this LNG export authorization pause bad for global climate efforts?
Natural gas has helped reduce emissions in the power sector to decades long lows and U.S. LNG exports can help replicate this success around the world.
Why is this LNG export authorization pause bad for the American economy?
Natural gas grows our economy, powers our industrial renaissance, helps reduce trade deficits, and generates hundreds of thousands of good paying jobs across the country. U.S. LNG exports compound these benefits by also spurring additional domestic natural gas production to meet demand.
Why is this LNG export authorization pause bad for allies?
U.S. LNG provides a secure and reliable source of energy to allies across the world at a time when energy security is paramount. Since the invasion of Ukraine in early 2022, the U.S. has provided the majority of LNG imports into Europe and helped temper one of the worst energy crises in modern history. In fact, per EU experts, additional U.S. LNG is needed to help further reduce Russian energy reliance and ensure our allies’ energy security.
Other helpful resources:
What do most Americans think about the LNG export pause?
A National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) poll of 1,000 registered voters conducted March 15 -18 found that:
- 87% believe the U.S. should continue exporting natural gas
- 86% say the permitting system must be changed so energy projects are online in less time
- 76% say the U.S. needs more energy infrastructure, such as port terminals
- 72% support an “all-of-the-above” energy approach that includes both traditional and renewable energy sources.
Read more on NAM’s poll here.
What has the Administration said about U.S. LNG in the past?
Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm:
“With respect to LNG, we know that our liquefied natural gas exports have been a significant help to our allies, and it’s an important– it’s very important to make sure that they have the means– we are fortunate that we have an abundance, obviously, of natural gas in this country. Our prices are low. But during times of challenge, we want to help our allies as well.” January, 2023
Secretary of State Antony Blinken:
“The U.S.-EU Energy Council has worked as never before to help make Europe more energy secure. The United States has more than doubled our supply of natural gas to the continent – exporting 56 billion cubic meters of liquefied natural gas last year. Because of these and other efforts, Russia’s natural gas only accounted for about 16 percent of the EU’s natural gas imports by the end of 2022 – compared to 37 percent in March of 2022. And as I mentioned, our supplies went up more than twofold – over 140 percent increase between 2021 and 2022.” April, 2023
White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki:
“There’s a natural gas shortage around the world, hence the need for the United States to continue to export natural gas.” October, 2021
United States-Japan Joint Leaders’ Statement
“The United States remains unwavering in its commitment to support the energy security of Japan and other allies, including its ability to predictably supply LNG while accelerating the global transition to zero-emissions energy and working with other fossil energy importers and producers to minimize methane emissions across the fossil energy value chain to the fullest extent practicable.” April 10, 2024