exports
Newsletter
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LNG exports linked to deaths and rising health costs, report finds
A new report from Greenpeace and Sierra Club reveals that liquefied natural gas exports in the U.S. cause around 60 premature deaths and nearly $1 billion in annual health costs, with numbers expected to rise significantly if planned terminals are built.
In short:
- LNG export facilities currently contribute to 60 premature deaths and $957 million in health costs annually.
- Planned expansions could increase these numbers to 149 deaths and $2.33 billion in costs.
- Minority communities near these facilities are disproportionately affected by the pollution.
Key quote:
“We found those numbers stunning.”
— Andres Chang, senior research specialist at Greenpeace and study co-author
Why this matters:
Expanding LNG exports not only exacerbates climate change but also imposes serious health risks, particularly on marginalized communities. Regulatory actions could mitigate these harms, potentially saving lives and billions in health costs.
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The US defends its oil and gas expansion despite climate finance promises
The Biden administration promises to lead global climate finance efforts, yet faces criticism for expanding oil and gas production amid its climate goals.
In short:
- The US promises to lead in climate finance but does not specify the amount to be provided to poorer countries.
- John Podesta, Biden’s top climate official, supports the expansion of US oil and gas production due to the high demand for non-Russian energy sources.
- Podesta highlights the stark contrast between Biden and Trump on climate commitments and the need for other major economies to contribute more.
Key quote:
"The US is now the number one producer of oil and gas in the world, the number one exporter of natural gas, and that’s a good thing."
— John Podesta, senior adviser to Joe Biden on international climate policy
Why this matters:
The U.S. continues to expand its fossil fuel infrastructure. New oil and gas projects, including pipelines and drilling operations, are moving forward, driven by economic interests and energy security concerns. This expansion poses a significant challenge to meeting climate targets, as fossil fuels remain the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions.
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LNG export debate intensifies as Louisiana fishers demand halt
A battle over LNG export expansion heats up as Louisiana fishermen and environmental groups push back against industry influence on federal decisions.
In short:
- The U.S. Department of Energy's pause on LNG export applications has sparked a research competition between industry and academic groups.
- Local fishers and environmental groups argue that LNG expansions disproportionately harm low-income and minority communities, contributing to pollution and climate change.
- A lawsuit from 16 states challenges the Biden administration's halt on LNG projects, claiming it disrupts the industry.
Key quote:
“There is always a concern that DOE would be influenced by an industry-funded report. That is the very nature of the government’s relationship with the fossil fuel industry, which has a long history of producing misleading and inaccurate information.”
— Robin Saha, director of the environmental studies program at the University of Montana
Why this matters:
Louisiana’s vast natural gas reserves have positioned it as a key player in the LNG market, but the expansion of LNG exports poses significant environmental and health risks, especially for vulnerable communities. Proponents of the expansion argue that increasing LNG exports will boost the economy, create jobs, and strengthen the United States' energy independence. However, local fishermen and environmental advocates see a different picture, one marred by potential environmental degradation and the loss of traditional ways of life.
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Biden faces pressure from activists to halt deepwater oil export plans
Environmental groups urge the Biden administration to stop new deepwater oil-export facilities and maintain a pause on gas-export licenses.
In short:
- A coalition of 20 environmental groups has asked the Biden administration to freeze new deepwater oil-export facilities.
- Activists want the current pause on new liquified natural gas (LNG) export licenses to be extended indefinitely.
- Over 200 additional groups are calling for an end to federal funding for fossil fuel extraction on public lands and waters.
Key quote:
“Congress has coddled the fossil fuel industry for decades, scarring millions of acres of public lands in the process.”
— Ashley Nunes, public lands policy specialist at the Center for Biological Diversity
Why this matters:
Deepwater oil facilities pose significant risks to marine ecosystems and coastal communities, while the expansion of gas exports could lock in long-term reliance on fossil fuels, hindering progress toward a sustainable energy future.
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Missouri may impose new restrictions on water exports
Missouri legislators are moving forward with a bill that would restrict water exports to address internal drought concerns and prevent resource depletion by water-stressed western states.
In short:
- Missouri lawmakers are considering a bill to limit water exports, requiring a permit for any such actions, amidst concerns of increasing water scarcity.
- The proposal has gained unusual bipartisan support, driven by drought conditions in Missouri and fears of water demand from western states.
- Both environmentalists and agricultural groups in Missouri support the measure, highlighting the potential risks of water shortages.
Key quote:
“We feel like we need to be responsible in Missouri and protect what we have.”
— State Rep. Jamie Burger, one of the bill's lead sponsors
Why this matters:
Many states have established water rights systems that allocate water resources to various users based on seniority, historical use, and other factors. Limiting water exports helps ensure that those with existing water rights, including farmers and municipalities, can continue to access the water they need without facing shortages caused by exports to other regions.
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Biden's new stance on natural gas export permits sparks debate
President Biden halts new natural gas export permits amid environmental concerns, stirring a mix of reactions.
In short:
- The Biden administration's temporary freeze on new natural gas export permits is seen as a significant stand against the fossil fuel industry, as it reviews the environmental impacts.
- This decision has caused a divide, with climate advocates applauding the move, while some political figures and the fossil fuel industry decry it as detrimental to American energy.
- The life cycle of LNG, from extraction to export, is fraught with environmental challenges, including significant methane emissions and energy consumption.
Key quote:
"Um, I think we all just won. ... This is the biggest thing a U.S. president has ever done to stand up to the fossil fuel industry."
— Bill McKibben, climate advocate
Why this matters:
Critics argue that pausing LNG exports could have unintended consequences, such as increasing global reliance on coal, which is more polluting than natural gas, thereby potentially increasing global carbon emissions. This concern is especially relevant in countries without immediate or feasible alternatives to natural gas for power generation and heating. Environmental advocates, however, support the administration's cautious approach, emphasizing the need for a thorough review of LNG exports' impacts on climate change and domestic energy prices.
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Biden's temporary halt on gas exports sparks scientific debate
President Biden's decision to limit liquefied natural gas exports has ignited a scientific and political debate over its environmental impact, with new research challenging the fuel's clean image.
In short:
- New studies suggest natural gas contributes more to global warming than previously believed, contradicting its reputation as a cleaner alternative to coal.
- The White House has paused liquid natural gas (LNG) export permits to assess their climate change impact, sparking criticism from industry groups and Republicans.
- A debate is underway about the life-cycle emissions of natural gas, including methane leakage during production and transportation.
Key quote:
"We’re the world’s largest producer of natural gas... It’s totally the wrong trajectory."
— Robert Howarth, professor, Cornell University
Why this matters:
This issue directly impacts global climate change policies and the U.S.'s energy strategy. Understanding the true environmental cost of natural gas is vital for informed policy decisions, especially in the context of global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Op-Ed: President Biden continues to deploy conventional tactics against the highly unconventional threat of climate change.Keep reading...Show less
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