

# Biden Administration Pauses LNG Export Permits Amid Environmental Review

The Biden administration has announced a temporary pause on the approval process for several proposed **liquefied natural gas (LNG) export terminals**. The pause is to allow for an environmental review of the projects' potential impacts on **climate change** (1,2,3,4,5,6).

## The Decision and Its Implications

The Department of Energy (DOE) will conduct an **environmental review** of the projects' carbon emissions, which could take over a year (2,4). The pause will only affect projects that have gone through the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's (FERC) approval process and are ripe for DOE approval (4,5). There are currently 11 projects green-lit by FERC but not yet under construction, and four projects pending before FERC (4).

> "As our exports increase, we must review export applications using the most comprehensive up-to-date analysis of the economic, environmental, and national security considerations," said Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm (4).

## Diverse Perspectives on the Pause

The decision has sparked a variety of reactions. **Environmental activists** argue that LNG export projects will increase emissions and worsen global warming (2,4). Bill McKibben, a prominent climate activist, plans a civil disobedience protest against the permitting of new LNG export terminals (4).

> "This is an incredible win," said Ebony Twilley-Martin, the U.S. executive director of Greenpeace, urging the Biden administration to make the pause permanent (3).

On the other hand, **industry groups** and proponents of LNG export facilities argue they are vital to meet energy demand in Europe and Asia and reduce reliance on Russian natural gas (2,4,5). Former FERC Chair Neil Chatterjee believes that U.S. LNG displaces dirtier sources of fuel and provides geopolitical assets to allies (4).

> "There is no review needed to understand the clear benefits of U.S. LNG for stabilizing global energy markets, supporting thousands of American jobs, and reducing emissions around the world by transitioning countries toward cleaner fuels," said American Petroleum Institute (API) CEO Mike Sommers (4).

## Potential Consequences

The pause could have significant implications for the U.S. and global energy markets. If the pause is prolonged, it could shock the global energy market and lead to increased greenhouse gas emissions (3). It could also send a "devastating signal to our allies that they can no longer rely on the United States," according to a spokesman for Venture Global, a company with a pending LNG project (3).

However, the pause could also be seen as a positive step towards addressing climate change and reducing the environmental impact of energy production. It aligns with the Biden administration's commitment to tackling climate change and transitioning to cleaner energy sources (1,2,3,4,5,6).

The decision underscores the ongoing debate over the role of natural gas in the energy transition and the balance between environmental considerations and energy security. As the review process unfolds, it will be crucial to monitor the impacts on the U.S. energy sector, global energy markets, and the fight against climate change.

<h1>Biden Administration Pauses LNG Export Permits Amid Environmental Review</h1>
<p>The Biden administration has announced a temporary pause on the approval process for several proposed <strong>liquefied natural gas (LNG) export terminals</strong>. The pause is to allow for an environmental review of the projects' potential impacts on <strong>climate change</strong> (1,2,3,4,5,6).</p>
<h2>The Decision and Its Implications</h2>
<p>The Department of Energy (DOE) will conduct an <strong>environmental review</strong> of the projects' carbon emissions, which could take over a year (2,4). The pause will only affect projects that have gone through the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's (FERC) approval process and are ripe for DOE approval (4,5). There are currently 11 projects green-lit by FERC but not yet under construction, and four projects pending before FERC (4).</p>
<blockquote>
<p>"As our exports increase, we must review export applications using the most comprehensive up-to-date analysis of the economic, environmental, and national security considerations," said Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm (4).</p>
</blockquote>
<h2>Diverse Perspectives on the Pause</h2>
<p>The decision has sparked a variety of reactions. <strong>Environmental activists</strong> argue that LNG export projects will increase emissions and worsen global warming (2,4). Bill McKibben, a prominent climate activist, plans a civil disobedience protest against the permitting of new LNG export terminals (4).</p>
<blockquote>
<p>"This is an incredible win," said Ebony Twilley-Martin, the U.S. executive director of Greenpeace, urging the Biden administration to make the pause permanent (3).</p>
</blockquote>
<p>On the other hand, <strong>industry groups</strong> and proponents of LNG export facilities argue they are vital to meet energy demand in Europe and Asia and reduce reliance on Russian natural gas (2,4,5). Former FERC Chair Neil Chatterjee believes that U.S. LNG displaces dirtier sources of fuel and provides geopolitical assets to allies (4).</p>
<blockquote>
<p>"There is no review needed to understand the clear benefits of U.S. LNG for stabilizing global energy markets, supporting thousands of American jobs, and reducing emissions around the world by transitioning countries toward cleaner fuels," said American Petroleum Institute (API) CEO Mike Sommers (4).</p>
</blockquote>
<h2>Potential Consequences</h2>
<p>The pause could have significant implications for the U.S. and global energy markets. If the pause is prolonged, it could shock the global energy market and lead to increased greenhouse gas emissions (3). It could also send a "devastating signal to our allies that they can no longer rely on the United States," according to a spokesman for Venture Global, a company with a pending LNG project (3).</p>
<p>However, the pause could also be seen as a positive step towards addressing climate change and reducing the environmental impact of energy production. It aligns with the Biden administration's commitment to tackling climate change and transitioning to cleaner energy sources (1,2,3,4,5,6).</p>
<p>The decision underscores the ongoing debate over the role of natural gas in the energy transition and the balance between environmental considerations and energy security. As the review process unfolds, it will be crucial to monitor the impacts on the U.S. energy sector, global energy markets, and the fight against climate change.</p>


CBS News

In controversial move, Biden pausing consideration of new natural gas export terminals

NewsWeek

Joe Biden Halts Natural Gas Exports Over 'Existential' Climate Threat

Telegraph

Biden slams the brakes on US gas boom after climate activist pressure

Fox News

White House halts enormous natural gas projects in victory for environmentalists

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The Biden administration has temporarily halted the approval process for several proposed liquefied natural gas (LNG) export terminals to conduct an environmental review.

Biden Administration Pauses LNG Export Permits Amid Environmental Review

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