Lafayette Reporter

In a powerful speech on the Senate floor, Senator John Kennedy (R-La.) criticized the Biden administration's decision to pause new and pending permits for liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports. He argued that President Joe Biden's policies are harming America's energy independence and will have negative consequences for the U.S. economy, national security, and the people of Louisiana.

Senator Kennedy expressed his concern that President Biden is effectively committing "energy suicide" for America by aligning himself with a faction of neo-socialist Americans who want to tear down and rebuild the country. He accused President Biden of aiding this faction in destroying America's energy independence and committing energy suicide by imposing a moratorium on new gas terminals.

The senator highlighted the absurdity of President Biden's new policy, which involves giving up America's own oil and gas and relying on countries that are hostile towards the United States. He emphasized the stupidity of such a decision and urged for a change in course, saying, "Stupidity, Mr. President, stupidity should hurt more. I realize you can’t fix stupid, but you can vote it out."

Senator Kennedy underscored the significance of energy independence for America, describing it as a "jackpot lottery ticket" that the country has worked hard to achieve. However, he lamented that President Biden is determined to undermine this achievement by pursuing policies that make it more challenging, expensive, and sometimes impossible to produce, transport, and sell energy products. He argued that these policies are not only killing American jobs and driving up energy prices but also jeopardizing national security.

Drawing attention to the importance of liquefied natural gas, Senator Kennedy reminded his colleagues that America played a role in inventing it. He explained that LNG, which is the gaseous form of natural gas cooled and turned into a liquid, has been a lifeline for Europe and other allies when their energy supplies were cut off. However, President Biden's decision to prohibit new LNG export terminals is a betrayal of America's LNG producers and allies, according to Kennedy. He warned that this decision would result in the loss of numerous multi-billion-dollar terminal projects, including one in Louisiana called Calcasieu Pass 2, which would have created thousands of jobs and ensured energy security.

Highlighting the importance of energy independence for America's safety and prosperity, Senator Kennedy implored his colleagues to push back against President Biden's anti-energy agenda and the moratorium on liquefied natural gas. He emphasized that the people of Louisiana do not want to rely on adversaries to meet the country's energy needs.

Senator Kennedy's remarks reflect growing concerns among Republicans about the Biden administration's approach to energy policy. As America navigates the complex challenges of energy production, national security, and economic growth, the debate over the future of LNG exports will undoubtedly continue to be a point of contention between the two parties.