lng exports
Newsletter
Trump’s plan to boost LNG exports could benefit China
Donald Trump’s plan to expand U.S. liquefied natural gas exports if re-elected may lead to increased sales to China, despite his tough rhetoric against the country.
In short:
- Trump’s energy policy aims to boost LNG exports, potentially increasing sales to China despite ongoing economic tensions.
- Environmentalists and some lawmakers warn that expanding LNG could worsen climate impacts and compromise U.S. energy security.
- Trump’s allies argue that selling more LNG to China could give the U.S. economic leverage over its rival.
Key quote:
“If you could provide an energy source to your great economic enemy that they’re paying cash for...if you could addict them to that, which would clean up their environment, wouldn’t that give you more leverage ultimately?”
— Rep. Frank Lucas, chair of the Science, Space and Technology Committee
Why this matters:
Increased U.S. LNG exports to China could strengthen economic ties but risk undermining environmental goals and escalating political tensions. This highlights the complex balancing act in U.S.-China relations.
Read more: LNG exports linked to deaths and rising health costs, report finds
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Credit: Venn/Big Stock Photo
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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Credit: AvigatorPhotoGrapher/Big Stock Photo
Court overturns approval for South Texas LNG export plants
A federal court in Washington, D.C., has invalidated the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's approval of two massive liquefied natural gas export projects in South Texas, citing significant environmental assessment flaws.
Dylan Baddour reports for Inside Climate News and Berenice Garcia reports for The Texas Tribune.
In short:
- The court ruled that FERC failed to properly evaluate the environmental justice, climate and air pollution impacts of the Rio Grande LNG and Texas LNG projects.
- FERC's inadequate review included an insufficient environmental justice analysis and incorrect air pollution data, leading to procedural violations.
- The projects, worth billions, face opposition from local communities and environmental groups but have support from local political leaders.
Key quote:
"We do not see how the Commission could justify its decision to skip those fundamental procedural steps."
— U.S. Court of Appeals for the Washington, D.C. Circuit
Why this matters:
The ruling underscores the importance of thorough environmental impact assessments for large-scale energy projects, emphasizing legal and community concerns. These projects could significantly impact local ecosystems, prompting a broader debate on balancing economic growth with environmental responsibility.
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Credit: Elly Kelders/Unsplash
Texans turn to Europe to thwart methane gas terminals
In an innovative cross-continental alliance, Texas residents are partnering with Europeans to block the construction of environmentally harmful liquefied natural gas export terminals on their native wetlands.
In short:
- Texas residents are collaborating with European activists to discourage the construction of LNG terminals in South Texas that threaten local ecosystems and community health.
- These terminals would significantly increase greenhouse gas emissions, equivalent to the emissions from 46 million cars annually.
- Activists aim to influence European energy policy by highlighting the social and environmental costs of importing fracked gas from the U.S.
Key quote:
"We’re going to try everything we can, and yell at any company, bank or investor who is involved."
— Bekah Hinojosa, co-founder of South Texas Environmental Justice Network
Why this matters:
While LNG terminals can create jobs and stimulate economic activity in the short term, some argue that the long-term benefits may not outweigh the potential costs and risks, particularly if the terminals contribute to environmental degradation or compromise public safety.
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Credit: AvigatorPhotoGrapher/Big Stock Photo
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
Photo by Joshua J. Cotten on Unsplash
The great American natural gas reckoning is upon us
So, Biden paused LNG exports. Does this … fix climate change?
Credit: Gage Skidmore/Flickr
Republicans plan broadside targeting Biden's LNG decision
A hearing is scheduled and House lawmakers are discussing a potential "energy week" in February. In the Senate, at least one Republican is looking to delay White House energy nominees.
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