Contact: Cindy Carr, cindy.carr@sierraclub.org
PENNSYLVANIA -- Today, the Department of Energy (DOE) announced that it will halt approvals of new liquefied fracked gas exports (LNG) while the agency reviews its criteria for determining if an application is in the public interest. DOE has never rejected a gas export application on the grounds of harm to the public interest despite clear and growing evidence that gas exports are inconsistent with global climate targets, destroy local communities and harm critical ecosystems, while increasing domestic energy costs.
Pennsylvania currently has three proposed LNG export projects. Early stage projects in the Port of Philadelphia and the city of Chester would not be able to seek DOE approval until the new public interest criteria are in place. A third project seeks to transport explosive LNG by rail or truck through the densely-populated areas of Eastern Pennsylvania between Wyalusing, PA and Gibbstown, NJ. It has already received DOE approval under the old criteria, but has so far failed to secure other necessary permits.
In response, Sierra Club Pennsylvania Chapter Director Tom Schuster issued the following statement:
“The Department of Energy’s announcement today marks a major turning point in our fight to protect communities across Pennsylvania from the dangers of LNG and methane gas. For too long, Pennsylvanians have paid the price for the fossil fuel industry’s drilling and transporting of hazardous methane gas in our backyards -- with polluted air and water, resulting illnesses, and higher healthcare costs. Ultimately, LNG exports endanger our lives and fuel the climate crisis while causing domestic energy prices to soar and lining the pockets of fossil fuel executives. Enough is enough."
“Today’s announcement to pause new LNG export approvals until criteria are developed to gauge the true public impact of these projects recognizes concerns Pennsylvanians have been raising about the Philadelphia and Chester projects. We are confident that the Department of Energy and the Biden Administration will find that these harmful LNG projects in no way serve the public interest and will cancel them under the new criteria.”
About the Sierra Club: The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with millions of members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.