New LNG Export Bill Would Harm Consumers & the Environment to Benefit Big Gas

WASHINGTON, DC-  Republican Senators John Kennedy, Ted Cruz, Shelley Moore Capito, and Kevin Cramer introduced a bill to expedite liquified methane gas (LNG) export approvals to non-free trade countries. If passed, it would strip away the federal government’s responsibility to consider how LNG exports negatively impact Americans by exacerbating climate change, raising domestic energy prices, and perpetuating environmental injustices. These factors must be taken into account when deciding whether to approve additional LNG export terminals. 

This legislation joins the list of several bills that fast-track oil and gas infrastructure opposed by seventy-one NGOs in a letter sent to the House Energy and Commerce Committee ahead of the legislative hearing. 

This is just one of many efforts by supporters of the fossil fuel industry to undermine key environmental protections and push through expanded LNG exports that will only undermine US economic and national security by prolonging reliance on risky and volatile energy sources. Current levels of gas exports are sufficient to supply Europe. Research by Climate Tracker shows that approving new or expanded US LNG export capacity will make it nearly impossible to meet our critical climate targets. 

In reaction, Sierra Club and partners issued the following statements: 

Talia Calnek-Sugin, Associate Director of Legislative and Administrative Advocacy for Sierra Club’s Beyond Dirty Fuels campaign, “The United States is already the world’s #1 LNG exporter, and this has come at a great cost to American households struggling with high energy prices, environmental justice communities on the front lines of export facilities, and future generations. Europe is rapidly moving away from gas and towards a clean energy economy, while the US builds LNG export infrastructure that will lock in decades of emissions. It is distressing to see members of Congress subscribe to the industry’s false narrative of supporting energy security, when we know their actions are motivated only by profit. We hope that members of Congress stand up for their constituents who are struggling with skyrocketing energy costs and the effects of pollution and climate change – and reject this bill.”

Melanie Oldham, Citizens for Clean Air and Clean Water Brazoria County: “As a constituent of Senator Ted Cruz, it is very disappointing to me that he is leading the charge to make it easier for LNG projects and oil and gas companies to harm communities. Senator Cruz has never visited my community, Freeport, TX, which has one of only two operational LNG facility in the state, to see the impacts these dangerous and dirty facilities have. The Senator has also never responded to requests to speak with him about the proposed LNG projects in Texas.”

Roishetta Ozane, CEO and Founder, Louisiana Vessel Project: “It’s infuriating to see this proposed bill. The science is clear, the climate impacts are becoming more devastating, and the cost of fossil fuels are worsening. And yet, our Louisiana Senator Kennedy is amongst others who want to steamroll more fossil fuel extractive industries into our community. It's inherently clear that they don't really care about us and they continuously prove it.”