Austin News

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Republican Senators Ted Cruz and Bill Cassidy, along with 25 colleagues, have criticized the Biden administration for halting the approval of liquified natural gas (LNG) export permits for non-Free Trade Agreement countries (FTA) at the request of environmental activists. The senators sent a letter to President Biden and Department of Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm expressing concerns about the potential economic, environmental, and national security consequences of this decision.

The senators argue that the Biden administration's move is a direct attack on the oil and gas industry and the American workers who depend on it. According to Senator Cruz, the administration is being controlled by radical climate activists, and this control is only growing as the 2024 election approaches. He believes that the decision to pause the approval of LNG export permits is environmentally damaging and geopolitically reckless.

"This move is environmentally damaging because U.S. liquefied natural gas (LNG) displaces dirtier foreign options, and is geopolitically reckless because it is guaranteed to undermine European energy security and increase dependence on Russia," said Senator Cruz.

Senator Cruz has been a strong advocate for Texas and American LNG exports. He has previously negotiated with the administration to approve four major licenses for LNG export projects, allowing for 40 million metric tons of LNG per year to be exported to countries without free trade agreements with the U.S. He has also introduced legislation to streamline permitting for all energy development on federal lands and waters and to expedite natural gas exports.

In their letter to President Biden and Secretary Granholm, the senators highlighted the importance of U.S. LNG exports in ensuring energy security for countries like Europe and Asia. They pointed out that nearly half of U.S. LNG exports have been delivered to Europe, especially following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Without U.S. LNG exports, European countries would have to choose between depriving their citizens of energy or funding Russia's war on Ukraine.

The senators also noted that Russia is expanding its LNG export capacity and that Iran-backed forces are threatening shipping lanes through which LNG is transported to Europe and Asia. They emphasized that American LNG exports enhance the geopolitical influence and international energy security of the United States.

Furthermore, the senators highlighted the role of U.S. LNG exports in reducing global emissions. China and India, two of the world's largest polluters, are major destinations for U.S. LNG exports. Limiting American LNG exports could lead to increased energy production by countries like Russia and Iran, which have less stringent environmental regulations, potentially adding to global emissions.

Finally, the senators emphasized the significant economic benefits of U.S. LNG exports. According to a study, increased exports of U.S. LNG could create over 450,000 jobs and increase GDP by $73 billion.

In conclusion, the Republican senators urged President Biden and Secretary Granholm to reconsider the decision to pause the approval of LNG export permits. They believe that American LNG exports contribute to the environmental, economic, and national security interests of the United States and its allies.