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Anticipated Pause on New LNG Export Approvals and Review of Public Interest Determination Criteria Would Be Major Wins for Climate, Communities, and Consumers [1]

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Date: 2024-01

Washington, DC - The New York Times is reporting that the Department of Energy (DOE) will halt approvals of liquified gas exports, known as LNG, including the controversial CP2, while the agency reviews its criteria for determining if an application is in the public interest. If true, this decision by the Biden administration would represent a significant, positive change in policy in response to calls from a broad coalition urging action to halt the expansion of gas exports.

The DOE has never rejected a gas export application on the grounds of harm to the public interest despite clear and growing evidence that gas exports are inconsistent with global climate targets, destroy local communities and critical ecosystems, and increase domestic energy costs. Additionally, there are currently no restrictions on the destination for gas exports, which risks national security.

According to polling from November 2023, 60% of US voters support the Biden administration taking measures to limit the amount of gas exported to other countries. Additionally, more than 400,000 people have signed a petition to stop the buildout of LNG export facilities, including CP2 LNG.

In response, Sierra Club Executive Director Ben Jealous said:

“Putting a stop to expanded gas exports is one of the most important moves President Biden could make on addressing the climate crisis. It would mark a bold and historic decision and a major win for communities and advocates that have long spoken out about the dangers of LNG.

"Big Oil and Gas knows it is up against the ropes and will put up a fight to continue putting its profits over our collective future. But despite industry fearmongering, it's undeniable that LNG export projects are simply not in the public interest. These facilities pollute our communities, make energy more expensive for American families, and exacerbate the climate crisis all for the sake of more gas the world does not need. Our movement will not give up, and we will keep working to ensure that this reported groundbreaking step will lead to meaningful change.”

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[1] Url: https://www.sierraclub.org/press-releases/2024/01/anticipated-pause-new-lng-export-approvals-and-review-public-interest

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