Joe Biden announced a "temporary pause on pending decisions of Liquefied Natural Gas [LNG] exports." The U.S. is currently the world's leading exporter of this resource. The president said he believes that his administration must do more in the fight against climate change, which he described as "the existential threat of our time." He further highlighted that "in every corner of the country and the world, people are suffering the devastating toll of climate change." During the moratorium, the president "will take a hard look at the impacts of LNG exports on energy costs, America’s energy security, and our environment."
The statement also indicates that the stoppage will not affect "unanticipated and immediate national security emergencies." Something that Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm elaborated on in a video conference with the media, where she noted that this measure would not harm U.S. allies, as the plan will come with exemptions for national security in case they need more LNG: "We are committed to strengthening energy security here in the U.S. and with our allies," Granholm said.
A priority for the Biden administration 'from Day One'
The president once again insisted that The climate agenda has been a priority for his Administration "from Day One," which is why he embarked the country "unprecedented course to tackle the climate crisis at home and abroad – securing the largest climate investment in the history of the world, unlocking clean energy breakthroughs that will power a clean economy and create thousands of jobs, advancing environmental justice for all, and rallying world leaders to transition away from the fossil fuels that jeopardize our planet and our people."
In addition, Biden took the opportunity to attack the Republicans, whom he accuses of not attending to the urgency of the situation because they are blinded by their own interests. The president assured that he will not give in to save the American people from "a dangerous future."
While MAGA Republicans willfully deny the urgency of the climate crisis, condemning the American people to a dangerous future, my Administration will not be complacent. We will not cede to special interests.
Arguments from environmental activists
In contrast to conservative 'selfishness,' Biden began his statement with a typical enumeration of leftist environmental activist talking points, mentioning natural disasters and disadvantaged people, who he says are especially affected by climate change:
In every corner of the country and the world, people are suffering the devastating toll of climate change. Historic hurricanes and floods wiping out homes, businesses, and houses of worship. Wildfires destroying whole neighborhoods and forcing families to leave their communities behind. Record temperatures affecting the lives and livelihoods of millions of Americans, especially the most vulnerable.
In conclusion, the president promised a radiant, spectacular and, of course, green future to Americans thanks to these types of measures, taken after listening to the voices of "young people and frontline communities":
We will heed the calls of young people and frontline communities who are using their voices to demand action from those with the power to act. And as America has always done, we will turn crisis into opportunity – creating clean energy jobs, improving quality of life, and building a more hopeful future for our children.
US and international energy industries warn of consequences
Biden's move arrives one day after more than 30 associations from the fossil fuel industry came together to condemn "the major mistake" made by this initiative, which will cost thousands of jobs and weaken allies while increasing Russian influence in the world.
The United States is the world leader in natural gas production, meeting record domestic demand and becoming the top exporter of LNG in 2023Moving forward with a pause on U.S. Our nation’s abundant supply of natural gas is an impactful geopolitical tool, helping insulate American consumers from increasing global instability while advancing American national interests and ensuring the energy security of key U.S. allies. LNG export approvals would only bolster Russian influence and undercut President Biden’s own commitment to supply our allies with reliable energy, undermining American credibility and threatening American jobs
This fear is shared by the energy associations Eurogas and Asia Natural Gas & Energy Association (ANGEA), according to Fox News, which insisted on the importance of these exports "as nations look to wean off Russian natural gas supplies." The Asian organization put forward a direct argument against Biden's goal of saving the planet, claiming that without American LNGs, the continent's decarbonization objectives are absolutely unviable.
