Washington, D.C. – January 26, 2024 — The White House has initiated a significant policy shift by announcing a temporary halt on all liquefied natural gas (LNG) export approvals sanctioned by the US Department of Energy. This move marks the beginning of a crucial process aimed at integrating climate and environmental considerations into the evaluation of proposed LNG projects. The decision comes amid heightened opposition from frontline and environmental groups, who have raised concerns about the environmental impact of LNG, particularly its release of methane—a potent greenhouse gas with nearly 80 times the warming capacity of carbon in its first 20 years in the atmosphere.
The pause affects 17 proposed LNG export projects, as the Biden administration seeks to reassess the environmental implications of these ventures. LNG has been a contentious issue, with US oil and gas CEOs advocating for increased exports while facing opposition from environmental advocates.
The US government has often justified expanding LNG exports by citing international energy needs. However, this week, 60 European Union lawmakers communicated to President Biden that there is no imperative for additional US liquefied natural gas, urging against its use as an excuse for export expansion.
The announcement follows the Americas Energy Summit, a recent gathering promoting energy sources backed by the fossil fuel industry, and six weeks after the 28th Conference of the Parties (COP28).
Candice Fortin, 350.org US Campaign Manager, responded to the news:
“This is a major step in the right direction, and a huge win for the climate movement and our frontline partners on the US Gulf Coast. We trust that when the US government reviews the climate and environmental justice harms, they will fully reject all LNG export projects, because anything less would reveal this pause to be nothing more than a strategic and self-serving PR campaign. The harmful effects of fracked gas on health and climate are not in question. Both frontline communities and scientific data have been communicating these clearly for decades, and there is much harm that cannot be undone. But the US government has finally taken a major step towards the side of the people instead of industry profit. That is both historic, and it shouldn’t need to be. We celebrate this move in the direction of justice and look forward to celebrating it growing.”
The temporary pause reflects a commitment to reevaluating energy policies in light of environmental concerns, emphasizing the Biden administration’s dedication to addressing climate change and prioritizing the health of communities affected by LNG projects.
