Biden administration reverses course on new, pending LNG export permits

To the editor:

U.S. liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports play a priority role in safeguarding our national security, creating American jobs, supporting our European allies and contributing to global emissions reductions. 

Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, President Biden pledged to provide Europe with additional U.S. LNG volumes to help end European dependence on Russian energy. 

Last month, however, the Biden administration reversed course and announced a pause on new and pending LNG export permits, drawing widespread criticism, as discussed in “Biden’s natural gas export freeze under fire” (Feb 5).
 
This misguided policy could have disastrous consequences for our country and our allies abroad. An indefinite pause on U.S. LNG exports could threaten American jobs and discourage new investment in energy projects.

Across America, the natural gas and oil industry supports 10.8 million careers and generates nearly $1.8 trillion in U.S. gross domestic product. This includes over 351,000 jobs and a contribution of $55 billion to the economy here in Ohio.
 
Ohio and the Appalachia region – the top natural gas-producing region in the U.S. - have a leading role in providing our allies with secure, responsibly produced energy. 

Lifting the LNG permitting pause could help advance economic growth, environmental progress and global security.
 
Sincerely,
Chris Zeigler
Columbus
Executive Director
American Petroleum Institute Ohio
 

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