U.S. natural gas industry leaders are amping up calls for the Biden administration and other governments to embrace the energy source ahead of a tough winter for much of the West.

Europe’s acute energy crisis, the pricey winter facing New England, and California’s grid woes illustrate a need to increase production and transport of natural gas, gas executives argued Tuesday during an industry conference, where several also cast doubt on the viability of the fossil fuel-free future hoped for by leaders in each of those regions.