Congressman August Pfluger has led a group of 45 lawmakers in demanding transparency from the Department of Energy (DOE) regarding the Biden-Harris Administration's approach to liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports. In a letter addressed to Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm, concerns were raised about the transparency and accountability within the DOE, particularly about studies on the economic and environmental impacts of LNG. Recent reports suggest these findings might have been withheld due to their positive implications for U.S. LNG on a global scale.
Since President Biden announced an indefinite ban on LNG export permits to non-free trade agreement countries in January 2024, projects related to U.S. natural gas exports have experienced delays. This decision has affected energy investments and reduced energy security for both America and its allies. A federal court recently blocked this ban, highlighting a lack of legal and factual basis for such actions.
Congressman Pfluger stated, "The DOE’s lack of transparency is deeply troubling and has real-world implications for American energy security and global stability." He emphasized that Americans deserve explanations as to why this ban was imposed, potentially affecting U.S. energy exports and benefitting foreign competitors.
The letter calls for clarity on whether any LNG studies were conducted or received by the DOE in 2023, questioning why these findings weren't publicized. The involvement of the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) in reviewing LNG export research also raises concerns about potential politicization since PNNL typically focuses on renewable energy rather than natural gas.
Among those who cosigned the letter are Representatives Mike Carey, Jodey Arrington, Carol D. Miller, Dan Meuser, Randy Weber, Jake Ellzey, Darrell Issa, Troy Balderson, Tracey Mann, Michael A. Rulli, Michael C. Burgess M.D., Neal Dunn M.D., Aaron Bean, Brett Guthrie, Harriet M. Hageman, Robert E. Latta, Scott Fitzgerald, Chuck Fleischmann Andrew Clyde Kay Granger Lloyd Smucker John R Carter Virginia Foxx Lance Gooden Earl L "Buddy" Carter Guy Reschenthaler Ralph Norman John Joyce M.D., Dan Crenshaw Richard Hudson Brian Babin D.D.S., Pat Fallon Kat Cammack Jay Obernolte Morgan Luttrell Rudy Yakym III Rick W Allen Don Bacon Josh Brecheen Tim Walberg Russ Fulcher Ronny L Jackson Michael Guest Mike Kelly.