https://cnbc.com/biden-pauses-approval-of-new-lng-export-project…
President Joe Biden paused pending approvals of exports from new liquefied natural gas projects on Friday, a move cheered by climate activists that could delay decisions on new plants until after the Nov. 5 election.
The Department of Energy (DOE) will conduct a review during the pause that will look at the economic and environmental impacts of projects seeking approval to export LNG to Europe and Asia where the fuel is in hot demand.
The review will take months and then will be open to public comment which will take further time, Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm told reporters in a teleconference.
Biden said in a statement: “During this period, we will take a hard look at the impacts of LNG exports on energy costs, America’s energy security, and our environment.” He said the pause “sees the climate crisis for what it is: the existential threat of our time.”
The last review of LNG export projects was in 2018 when export capacity was 4 billion cubic feet per day (bcfd). That capacity has tripled, with the U.S. becoming the world’s top LNG exporter last year, and is set to shoot higher by 2030 with projects under construction.
The growth has set off protests from environmentalists, part of Biden’s base. Activists say new LNG projects can harm local communities with pollution, lock in global reliance on fossil fuels for decades, and lead to emissions from burning gas and from leaks of the powerful greenhouse gas methane.
Environmentalists hailed the move as a bold step.
It “continues this administration’s historic efforts to meet the global commitment to phase out fossil fuels and confront the climate crisis head on,” said Ben Jealous, head of the Sierra Club.
Swaths of U.S. industry, ranging from chemicals, steel, food and agriculture, also oppose unrestricted exports of U.S. gas saying it raises risks for fuel prices and reliability.
@D3mocratEliRepublican3mos3MO
@D3m0cr4cyPeacockDemocrat3mos3MO
People commenting not reading the statement before blabbering on about Germany.
"with the exception of unanticipated and immediate national security emergencies"
That means "if **** hits the fan in Europe, this get approved"
@SadCicadaLibertarian3mos3MO
People don’t seem to understand that increasing LNG exports raises LNG prices at home. Good that we’re not held as hostage to the global LNG prices as we are global oil prices.
@TwoPartyGorillaLibertarian3mos3MO
Here’s the expert consulted: Ahead of the decision, White House climate advisers met with activists like Alex Haraus, a 25-year-old Colorado social media influencer who has led a TikTok and Instagram campaign aimed at urging young voters to demand that Mr. Biden reject the project
Weird presidential statement. definitely appealing to the greta Thunberg crowd. meanwhile, administration is touting record gas an oil production elsewhere.
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