Lafayette Reporter

Sens. John Kennedy and Bill Cassidy, along with their colleagues, have urged the Biden administration to reconsider its decision to pause permitting for liquefied natural gas (LNG) export facilities in the United States. This move by the administration, announced on January 26, 2024, has raised concerns about the impact on America's industry and national security interests.

The senators highlighted the significant role that American LNG exports have played in enhancing geopolitical influence and international energy security since 2016. They emphasized that U.S. LNG has not only benefited Europe but also played a crucial role in energy security in Asia.

The lawmakers expressed their concerns about the potential consequences of limiting U.S. LNG exports. They argued that it would not affect the global demand for natural gas but would instead lead to countries like Russia and Iran increasing their energy production, which may not adhere to stringent environmental regulations. This could ultimately result in higher global emissions, contrary to the goal of combating climate change.

To emphasize the economic benefits of increased LNG exports, the senators cited a study by ICF, which suggested that such exports could create over 450,000 jobs and boost GDP by $73 billion. They also noted that these numbers could be even higher given the recent growth in the domestic LNG industry.

In their letter to the Biden administration, the senators strongly urged President Biden and Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm to reconsider the decision to pause LNG permits. They emphasized that as leaders of the United States, they should be championing American LNG exports, which bring environmental, economic, and national security benefits to the country and its allies.

Louisiana's LNG export terminals play a crucial role in the industry, accounting for 63% of all U.S. LNG exports. The LNG sector also provides employment for 18,000 people in the state and contributes $4.4 billion to Louisiana's economy.

This is not the first time that Senator Kennedy has voiced concerns about limiting LNG exports. On January 18, 2024, he authored a separate letter to Secretary Granholm, warning about the adverse effects of unnecessary permitting burdens on LNG exports.

The full letter from the senators can be found on their official website.

In summary, Senators Kennedy and Cassidy, along with their colleagues, have called on President Biden to reverse the decision to pause LNG permits. They have emphasized the importance of American LNG exports for geopolitical influence, international energy security, and economic growth. The senators have urged the administration to consider the potential unintended consequences of limiting LNG exports and to champion the environmental, economic, and national security benefits that these exports bring to the United States and its allies.