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Newsletter
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Biden administration's natural gas export pause ends quietly
A policy lauded by climate activists to pause natural gas exports was quickly overturned, revealing the complexity and challenges in shifting U.S. energy policy.
In short:
- In January, the Biden administration paused new liquefied natural gas (LNG) export approvals, hailed as a significant climate win.
- A federal judge recently ruled that the administration must continue considering individual projects, effectively ending the pause.
- This reversal highlights the ongoing struggle within the administration to balance environmental goals with energy and economic interests.
Key quote:
"If this is really over — you have a DOE that’s going to go back to a presumption that LNG exports are in the public interest — this will have been a blip. If this is going to be an opening salvo in an ongoing battle over every step in LNG exports, it’ll be trench warfare."
— Steven Miles, research fellow at Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy.
Why this matters:
This swift policy reversal continues the ongoing battle between climate goals and economic pressures, affecting U.S. energy strategies and their global impact on climate change and energy markets. Read more: For environmental groups, Biden’s LNG decision cause for celebration – and caution.
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The Biden administration is ordered to resume natural gas export permits
A federal judge has mandated the Biden administration to restart issuing permits for liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports, overturning a pause intended to assess climate and economic impacts.
In short:
- Judge James D. Cain, Jr. ruled that the pause on LNG permits has caused economic harm to states like Texas and Louisiana.
- The decision follows a lawsuit from 16 Republican attorneys general who claimed the pause was damaging to their states' economies.
- Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm expects the analysis on LNG exports to be completed by late this year.
Key quote:
“In every corner of the country and the world, people are suffering the devastating toll of climate change. This pause on new LNG approvals sees the climate crisis for what it is: the existential threat of our time.”
— U.S. President Joe Biden, speaking in January when the pause on new LNG approvals was announced
Why this matters:
The ruling impacts national policy on energy exports and climate change mitigation efforts. If the Biden administration appeals this latest decision, the appeal will likely be heard by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit in Louisiana: Davenport notes that several Trump-appointed Fifth Circuit judges have previously decided for plaintiffs in cases challenging Biden administration environmental policies.
Read EHN's two-part series about LNG expansion on the Gulf Coast (also available in Spanish):
Part 1: LNG production comes with a price, Gulf Coast communities warnLNG production comes with a price, Gulf Coast communities warn
Part 2: Amid LNG’s Gulf Coast expansion, community hopes to stand in its way
See also: For environmental groups, Biden’s LNG decision cause for celebration – and caution
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Plan to build largest US LNG terminal approved by federal commission
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission approved the construction of the largest liquefied natural gas terminal in the U.S., sparking local opposition and potential lawsuits.
In short:
- The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission voted 2-1 to approve the $10 billion Calcasieu Pass 2 project in Louisiana.
- Environmental and community advocates plan to sue, citing concerns over greenhouse gas emissions and local impacts.
- The approval bypassed a Biden administration pause intended to study LNG terminal impacts further.
Key quote:
“We are ready and willing to take it to court.”
— Roishetta Ozane, leader of The Vessel Project of Louisiana
Why this matters:
This decision may significantly increase greenhouse gas emissions, undermining climate goals. The local community faces potential economic and environmental challenges from the terminal's construction.
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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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Young Alaskans file lawsuit to halt massive gas export project
Eight Alaskan youths are suing the state over a $38.7 billion gas export project, arguing it violates their constitutional rights by exacerbating climate change.
In short:
- The Alaska LNG Project includes a gas treatment plant, an 800-mile pipeline, and a liquefaction plant, which will significantly increase the state's greenhouse gas emissions.
- Plaintiffs, aged 11 to 22, claim the project infringes on their rights to natural resources and protection from government overreach, as stated in the Alaska constitution.
- The lawsuit, filed by Our Children’s Trust, aims to prevent the state from proceeding with the project and establish a legal precedent for climate justice.
Key quote:
“The acceleration of climate change that this project will bring will affect what the land provides and brings to my culture.”
— Summer Sagoonick, lead plaintiff in the case and a member the Iñupiaq tribe
Why this matters:
This case illustrates the legal battles young people are waging to protect their future from the impacts of climate change. The outcome could set a significant precedent for environmental justice and state responsibility.
Be sure to read EHN’s related coverage:
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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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Growing methane exports pose risks to Gulf Coast communities
Researchers argue that the expansion of liquefied natural gas facilities in the Gulf Coast endangers local environments and communities, particularly affecting minority populations.
In short:
- The report identifies significant environmental and health risks for communities near six LNG facilities in Louisiana and Texas.
- Increased LNG production has made the U.S. the world's leading exporter, raising concerns about global emission targets.
- Local disparities in employment and compensation exacerbate the economic impact on affected communities.
Key quote:
"As communities of color are literally fighting for our lives on the front lines, (federal) departments and agencies like FERC ... continuously are approving permits for these deadly, monstrous projects."
— Roishetta Ozane, executive director of The Vessel Project of Louisiana
Why this matters:
Historically, industrial developments have been disproportionately sited in minority communities, leading to concerns about systemic discrimination and neglect by policymakers. The siting of LNG facilities often follows this pattern. LNG facilities are typically associated with air and water pollution, including the release of hazardous pollutants such as volatile organic compounds and particulate matter, which can lead to respiratory issues and other health problems.
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