Pfluger Statement on DOE Anti-LNG Study
Washington,
December 17, 2024
Tags:
Energy
WASHINGTON, DC — Today, Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11) released the following statement after the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) released its final study aimed at shutting down U.S. liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports: "Today’s study released by the Biden-Harris White House regarding liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports is politicized and reckless. Almost a year ago, the Administration illegally banned LNG exports to cater to climate activists—ignoring science and our allies' needs in the process. It is beyond disappointing to see this trend continue as Biden leaves the White House. "In December 2023, more than 87% of U.S. LNG exports went to the European Union, United Kingdom, or Asian markets, and helped lower natural gas prices in Europe by over 83% following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Since the ban, Russia overtook the U.S. as the lead supplier of gas to Europe. "In the study’s summary, DOE claims the demand for increased exports does not exist. Our allies—the nations that have had the most to lose during this ban—have said otherwise. Thiry-five members of the European Parliament urged a reversal of the ban, arguing that the policy undermines Western order. Additionally, it is forecasted that if the ban continues, higher prices could cause Asia’s LNG demand to drop by 30% through 2035, forcing much of the region to turn to less clean sources. Demand for LNG will exist, despite the reckless whims of climate cronies and a complicit DOE. The question is: does the Administration want the U.S. to supply it, or Iran, Russia, or Qatar? "Even DOE itself has previously admitted significant energy demand increases. What has changed since those statements? The political motive behind this study is clear. "LNG exports unequivocally benefit our economy and domestic prices. Clean natural gas is a leading reason why the U.S. has reduced emissions more than any other nation and aided our allies in the process. In 2025, Congress must act to remove the reckless DOE from having a role in approving LNG export licenses. The U.S. can and should rise to the occasion." |