Biden Freezes Approval of Liquid Natural Gas Exports to Consider Climate Impacts

Following pressure from climate activists, the Biden administration announced a freeze on new liquefied natural gas (LNG) export permits while it examines their effects on climate change.

The move could delay decisions on new LNG plants until after the presidential election in November, reported Reuters.

“This pause on new LNG approvals sees the climate crisis for what it is: the existential threat of our time. During this period, we will take a hard look at the impacts of LNG exports on energy costs, America’s energy security, and our environment,” President Joe Biden said, as CNN reported.

During the break, the United States Department of Energy will administer an economic and environmental impact review on projects wanting export permits to Asia and Europe, Reuters said.

While European countries and companies work on weaning themselves off Russian gas, they are relying on LNG from the U.S. At the same time, Asian countries use it to reduce their consumption of coal.

U.S. officials said there would be national security exemptions in case more LNG is needed, emphasizing the freeze would not harm U.S. allies.

U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm said the review would take months, followed by a public comment period.

“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,” Granholm said on a call to reporters, as reported by The Washington Post.

On the same call, Ali Zaidi, the White House national climate adviser, said “the United States has been an unwavering partner to our allies in Europe, who, by the way… are our partner in calling for a transition away from fossil fuels.”

In the past four years, the U.S. has doubled its exports of LNG and is now its biggest exporter in the world.

LNG’s growth in the U.S. has led to opposition from activists, including youth groups, who say the new projects can bring dangerous pollution to local communities, contribute to the world’s fossil fuel reliance and lead to more emissions not only from burning the gas, but from potent methane leaks, Reuters reported.

“LNG projects across the Gulf South are already harming people’s health, wrecking the environment, raising prices for families, and threatening our national security. We can’t afford to rubber-stamp these climate Death Stars that will decimate both local communities and our planet. Now, the Biden administration needs to finish the job – let’s make the pause permanent,” said Ebony Twilley-Martin, executive director of Greenpeace USA, according to Greenpeace.

Environmental groups applauded the move.

“This is a milestone,” said Roishetta Ozane, founder and director of The Vessel Project of Louisiana, as reported by Reuters. “It sets the stage for potential rejections and slows down progress of these projects.”

Young voters are an important part of Biden’s base and will be crucial to helping him get reelected.

“Young people are the largest voting bloc in this country and they vote for the issues that they care about,” said Michelle Weindling, youth-based Sunrise Movement’s political director. “It needs to be seen that leaders are leading boldly and unapologetically to solve this crisis.”