Democrats and Republicans in the House criticize Biden’s decision to pause LNG exports

A bipartisan group of over 50 House lawmakers are urging the Biden administration to end its suspension of new liquefied natural gas (LNG) export permits. The lawmakers argue that this pause, initiated in January, is harming U.S. energy production both domestically and internationally.

Leading this effort is Rep. Jodey Arrington, along with four Democrats and 46 Republicans, who are calling on the Department of Energy to reverse the LNG pause. Among the Democratic lawmakers supporting this move are Reps. Lou Correa, Henry Cuellar, Jim Costa, and Jared Golden.

Rep. Correa emphasized the importance of LNG as a “clean and reliable” energy source that supports millions of American jobs. The group is sending a letter to Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm, supported by organizations like the American Petroleum Institute, the Energy Workforce & Technology Council, and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Global Energy Institute.

This push comes after a federal judge ordered the Biden administration to lift the pause on new LNG export permits. Judge James Cain granted an emergency stay against the policy, citing its negative impact on state economies and its challenge to Biden’s climate agenda.

The lawmakers argue that the LNG pause has diminished the competitiveness of American energy exporters, hindered energy supply to U.S. allies, and injected politics into a business-driven approval process. They point to a 2017 study projecting significant job creation and economic growth from LNG production in the U.S. by 2040.

Additionally, they highlight the environmental benefits of LNG, which emits fewer CO2 emissions compared to other energy sources. The export of LNG remains crucial for European allies facing energy shortages following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

While the House voted in February to oppose Biden’s LNG permit pause, the White House was not in favor but did not threaten a veto. A proposal by House Speaker Mike Johnson to link Ukraine aid to a reversal of the LNG policy was also rejected by the White House in April.

Although there is support for Biden’s pause among some Democrats, with over 70 House and Senate Democrats applauding the decision in May, the bipartisan group pushing for the policy reversal believes that lifting the LNG export permit pause is essential for U.S. energy security and economic growth.