Shannon Van Hoesen, shannon.vanhoesen@sierraclub.org
Washington, DC - Today, President Biden and Secretary Granholm announced that the Department of Energy (DOE) will halt approvals of liquified gas exports, known as LNG, while the agency reviews its criteria for determining if an application is in the public interest. This decision by the Biden administration represents a significant, positive change in policy in response to calls from a broad coalition urging action to halt the expansion of gas exports.
This announcement is a culmination of more than a decade of work across communities along the Gulf Coast, and at the federal level, to oppose the buildout of gas exports. The 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 critical ecosystems, and increase domestic energy costs. Additionally, there are currently no restrictions on the destination for gas exports, which risks national security. This re-evaluation of public interest determination criteria, if done right, will stop the practice of rubber-stamping these projects.
According to polling from November 2023, 60% of US voters support the Biden administration taking measures to limit the amount of gas exported to other countries. Additionally, more than 400,000 people have signed a petition to stop the buildout of LNG export facilities, including CP2 LNG.
In response, Sierra Club Executive Director Ben Jealous said:
“President Biden and Secretary Granholm’s bold step today continues this administration’s historic efforts to meet the global commitment to phase out fossil fuels and confront the climate crisis head on. This decision is a major win for communities and advocates that have long spoken out about the dangers of LNG, and makes it clear that the Biden administration is listening to the calls to break America’s reliance on dirty fossil fuels and secure a livable future for us all.
“Strong leadership, that rejects fossil fuel industry fear mongering, is our best bet to protect communities and ensure energy is affordable. It's undeniable that LNG export projects are simply not in the public interest and we are confident that if this review is done right, that would end the rubber-stamping of these projects. The Biden administration is making the right choice on behalf of the planet, our communities, and our national security.”
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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.