A group of House Democrats urged President Joe Biden on Friday to “refocus” his policy on U.S. liquefied natural gas exports, deepening a growing party divide that has pitted liberal Democrats against some centrists in the party.
The letter, signed by Rep. Marc Veasey (D-TX) and nine House Democrats representing districts in Texas, Alaska, and California, stopped short of condemning the administration’s decision to pause LNG export terminal approvals temporarily. Instead, they focused on the opportunities for U.S. LNG growth, which they argued would help foster global security and propel the transition to clean energy.
U.S. LNG “is a linchpin for fostering strong international partnerships, diversifying energy supplies, and reducing dependence on volatile regions,” the lawmakers wrote, adding that therefore, the administration’s “support for U.S. LNG is not only a boon for America, but a beacon for the world’s pursuit of cleaner, more sustainable energy sources.”
“The United States must continue to lead the way in ensuring the security of our own energy supplies and those of our allies,” the lawmakers added. “Every molecule of U.S. LNG exported helps limit the growth of global emissions and provides energy security around the world.”
The letter comes as the United States has risen to become the world’s No. 1 exporter of LNG, sending supplies primarily to Europe and Asia following the start of Russia’s war in Ukraine.
Environmental groups and liberal Democrats had lobbied hard for the Biden administration to include climate consideration in its new LNG export facilities, citing a feared increase in methane emissions.
Liquefying natural gas is an emissions-heavy process, as is sending it overseas, though the exact impact on the environment has yet to be determined as oil and gas producers in the United States continue to work to lower their emissions profiles.
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But moderates in the party are increasingly breaking rank. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee Chairman Joe Manchin (D-WV) blasted the White House for the LNG pause shortly after the news broke, calling it a “political ploy to pander to keep-it-in-the-ground climate activists.”
Earlier this week, Sens. John Fetterman (D-PA) and Bob Casey (D-PA) also said they will push Biden to undo his decision.
