Congressman August Pfluger of Texas engaged in critical questioning during a recent full committee hearing on energy and AI technology. The session, held by the House Energy and Commerce Committee, explored issues including American global competitiveness and the role of AI. A significant focus was on the Biden administration's decision to pause LNG (liquefied natural gas) exports.
Rep. Pfluger raised concerns about transparency, citing sources that reported a withheld study by the Department of Energy, which allegedly opposed the administration's decision on LNG exports made in January 2024. The study reportedly found that LNG exports could help lower emissions, a point that conflicts with the administration's stance.
During the hearing, Pfluger pressed David Turk, former Deputy Secretary of Energy, regarding knowledge of the study before the decision to halt new export authorizations. In response, Turk explained, "So we didn't ban any. We did the study in order to take a step back because we've authorized so much."
Pfluger expressed concern over transparency: "Pause, ban, we can debate this all day long. But why was the study not released immediately after it was done?" Turk replied, emphasizing that the study was published post-completion: "So it was. We released the study once the efforts finished the study."
The exchange also touched on natural gas emissions. Pfluger challenged Turk on the possibly favorable implications of the study: "Do you disagree that the study was more favorable to LNG than the Biden administration would have liked, and that's why there was a pause put on LNG exports?" Turk countered, underscoring the emission concerns: "So LNG exports have a very, very significant greenhouse gas footprint."
The session highlighted the potential impact of halting LNG exports, particularly on energy supply for data centers crucial for AI technologies.
Rep. Pfluger's questioning follows reports, notably by the Daily Caller, on alleged suppression of studies by Biden administration officials to support energy policy shifts. Additionally, Pfluger has introduced the "Unlocking our Domestic LNG Potential Act" to transfer LNG project approvals away from the DOE.