Biden Lied To Americans About 2024 LNG Export Pause
In January 2024, President Joe Biden announced a temporary pause on approvals for new liquified natural gas (LNG) export projects, citing the need for additional environmental and economic impact studies. This decision, part of the administration’s broader climate agenda, aimed to address concerns about the environmental impact of increased LNG exports and their contribution to global greenhouse gas emissions. However, the move has sparked significant controversy and criticism, with many arguing that the pause was based on political considerations rather than scientific evidence.
The Daily Caller News Foundation reported that the Biden administration deliberately buried a final draft version of a study that would have undermined the rationale for the LNG export pause. According to sources at the Department of Energy (DOE), the study found that increasing U.S. LNG exports could lead to a reduction in global emissions relative to other scenarios. The administration allegedly finalized the draft in 2023 but subsequently buried it because its findings contradicted the rationale for the pause. The September 2023 version of the study was never released publicly, and the administration reportedly deleted numerous pages from the draft before releasing a skewed final version to the public at the end of 2024.
Critics have accused the Biden administration of prioritizing political ambitions over the interests of the American people and energy security. The decision to pause LNG exports has been described as a political move to appease radical environmental activists, despite potential economic benefits and job creation associated with LNG exports. The administration’s handling of the study and the subsequent revelations have raised questions about transparency and the use of scientific evidence in policy-making.
Republicans, including House Speaker Mike Johnson, have argued that the pause on LNG export growth threatens to increase U.S. energy prices, lead to higher global greenhouse gas emissions, and harm the U.S. economy. They have pointed to studies indicating that LNG exports could add billions to the U.S. economy and create thousands of jobs. The controversy highlights the ongoing debate over the role of LNG in the energy transition and the balance between environmental concerns and economic interests.
The Biden administration’s decision to implement the pause was seen as a significant political move, aligning with the administration’s commitment to addressing climate change and reducing reliance on fossil fuels. However, the revelations about the buried study and the administration’s handling of the evidence have undermined the credibility of the decision, raising concerns about the transparency and integrity of the policy-making process.
As the debate continues, the future of U.S. LNG exports remains uncertain. The administration’s pause on new export projects has significant implications for the energy sector, both domestically and globally. The controversy highlights the complex interplay between environmental policy, economic interests, and political considerations in shaping the future of U.S. energy exports.
