Natural gas is a cheap and reliable energy source. But the Biden-Harris Department of Energy (DOE) has actively worked to undermine the construction of new liquefied natural gas (LNG) export terminals. Yesterday, the DOE continued its attack on the natural gas industry in a newly-released report, “2024 LNG Export Study: Energy, Economic, and Environmental Assessment of U.S. LNG Exports.”

The new report warns against approving new LNG export projects on economic and environmental grounds. The report concluded that “unfettered” natural gas exports will add about $122.54 (natural gas plus electricity expenditures) in annual household costs. One analysis claimed continued natural gas production would potentially result in “1.5 gigatons of direct greenhouse gas emissions” annually. 

“While Europe has been the primary destination for U.S. LNG from 2016 to present, global demand and the destination of U.S. LNG in the future is less certain,” the study asserted. “China has recently become the largest global importer of LNG and has signed several contracts with operating or proposed U.S. LNG projects.”  

Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm published an accompanying statement suggesting expanding LNG exports will drive up electricity costs by “over $100” while causing harm to the environment and increasing carbon emissions. Her letter also claimed, “Unfettered exports of LNG would increase wholesale domestic natural gas prices by over 30%.”

What’s really at the heart of Granholm’s warning? She’s worried LNG projects will displace “more wind, solar and other renewable energy than coal” since natural gas is more durable and reliable than intermittent clean energy like solar and wind.

Another news report asserted LNG exports are worse for the environment than coal production–even though coal and natural gas cumulatively account for nearly 60% of current U.S. electricity generation.

This comes after the Biden-Harris administration paused future LNG export projects earlier this year, citing climate change. Granholm herself conceded in March 2024 that the pause was political and could be lifted within a year. 

As I noted at IWF/Washington Examiner, LNG export projects are in the “public interest” and will reduce emissions:

To justify this decision and the harm it will do to America’s energy security, the White House claimed it is not in the “public interest” to approve infrastructure projects that don’t account for climate risks informed by environmental, social, and governance posturing. They couldn’t be more misinformed in their reasoning.

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Studies also show U.S. LNG exports reduce global emissions because they displace the use of foreign fuel sources that come with a greater carbon footprint. By rushing to phase out natural gas, the administration is harming our quality of life and the environment.

Natural gas will have continued staying power in fuel and electricity production, despite the Biden-Harris administration’s best efforts to undermine it. For context, the outgoing administration’s net-zero agenda, one that discouraged natural gas, added $9,000 in additional household expenses to force American consumers away from gas-powered appliances. 

This reliable source will be necessary to meet growing global electricity demand. Recently, the Energy Information Administration (EIA) reported that natural gas consumption has remained high due to demand created by power-hungry data centers. That’s why the incoming Trump-Vance administration intends to unleash more of it once it assumes office on January 20th, 2025.

To learn more about LNG exports, go HERE.