The White House is hitting pause on new natural gas exports
Image: Jon Shapley/Houston Chronicle
On Friday, the Biden administration hit the proverbial pause button on the approval of new US licenses to export liquefied natural gas, citing environmental concerns related to climate change.
Biden officials holding the remote say the temporary halt, which affects billions of dollars in projects, will allow the Energy Department to evaluate and update the guidance it uses to approve such licenses. The halt wonât affect already authorized exports, or natural gas exports to US allies including Europe.
Some quick background: Natural gas is used around the world to generate electricity, heat buildings, and power appliances like stoves. In the US, itâs often produced through a technique known as fracking, which has unlocked vast underground supplies in recent decades.
When it comes to carbon emissions, experts say natural gas is similar to a hybrid EV, existing between a less environmentally friendly option (coal or gas-powered cars) and the environmental gold standard (100% renewable energy and EVs).
- Since 2018, the US has tripled its natural gas production en route to becoming the worldâs top exporter, with production set to further double by 2030 based on projects under construction.
But many environmental advocates are pushing back on natural gas. Activists and Democrats in favor of the Biden adminâs licensing pause argue that new natural gas projects can harm local communities with pollution, lock in reliance on fossil fuels for decades, and cause excess emissions due to frequent methane leaks.
- On the flip side, many industry groups and Republicans criticize the Biden adminâs move. They argue it will harm Americaâs economic growth, destabilize global energy markets, and force more countries to seek natural gas exports from Russia and China â who create more emissions during production than the US.
đ Looking ahead⌠The Biden adminâs temporary pause on new natural gas export licenses is expected to last until after the November election.
đ Flash poll: Do you agree with the Biden adminâs decision to pause new licenses for natural gas exports to non-allied countries?
See a 360° view of what media pundits are saying â
Sprinkles from the Left
- Some commentators argue that Bidenâs move is a good first step towards addressing the climate crisis, which is being made worse by Americaâs rising consumption and export of natural gas.
- Others contend that pausing exports for natural gas may score Biden some quick points with younger, climate-focused voters, but itâs probably a bad policy decision based on incomplete and likely incorrect science.
- âTo shut down the supply side of climate change, start hereâ âLennox Yearwood and Bill McKibben, LA Times
- âLNG Exports Shouldn't Be the Next Keystone Campaignâ âLiam Denning, Bloomberg
- âBiden faces a crucial fossil fuel decision. Will he stand up to Big Oil?â âBen Jealous and Bill McKibben, WaPo
Sprinkles from the Right
- Some commentators argue that Bidenâs move to pause natural gas export permits is a sign that heâs letting TikTokers dictate US policy, and signaling to allies and adversaries that the US isnât a reliable partner.
- Others contend that Bidenâs move is contradictory to his rhetoric on the need to support allies and domestic economic growth, and is intentionally allowing Russia to return its energy influence over Europe.
- âBiden and the TikTok Anti-LNG Crusadeâ âWSJ Editorial Board
- âBidenâs energy gift to Russian aggressionâ âWashington Examiner Editorial Board
- âAn LNG Export Ban Is Bad Politics for Bidenâ âJeffrey Kupfer, WSJ
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