The Biden administration last month paused all new liquefied natural gas export projects. This move was hailed as a win for environmentalists; not only is that a lie, but it’s also the latest example of the Biden administration attempting to pull a fast one on voters.
When you dig into the details, you’ll find that President Joe Biden’s LNG pause is only in effect until Nov. 5, which happens to be Election Day. After the election, operations will likely resume as usual. The move is purely political, ensuring that his campaign is in the good graces of voters — specifically young ones who care about climate change.
For nearly four years, progressive climate groups have demanded the Biden administration end American dependence on fossil fuels. Now, with 10 months until the presidential election, his administration has shamelessly attempted to pacify these groups through a temporary pause.
The Biden administration isn’t acting in good faith; instead, it is pulling the wool over young voters’ eyes. The reality is that exporting American natural gas has a number of environmental and national security benefits. Not only does America produce natural gas more cleanly than many other countries, but when the alternative for European countries is to rely on an aggressor such as Russia, the choice is clear. Environmentalists who want to feel good without doing good are shortsighted.
Biden’s move on LNG exports follows the same plotline as his empty promises on student debt. What was a key component of his 2020 campaign ended up resulting in no tangible action for countless young people who voted for him because of that promise. These diversions only serve to appease young voters long enough for electoral — not policy — results.
Biden promised voters his long career in politics meant he could get things done. Instead, his administration has produced virtually zero substantive policy achievements because it fails to address the root cause of issues it supposedly seeks to solve. In the case of student debt, rather than fixing the reason behind inflated higher education costs, he sought a short-term solution merely to erase current debt. Now on climate, rather than exporting American natural gas to help lower global emissions, he is kneecapping our ability to lead.
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To the rest of the world, political moves such as these only undercut American energy dominance. An administration that takes its directives from TikTok activists will not be seen as a legitimate force on environmental issues. These policies should be rooted in facts and outcomes, not in intentions along the way. Young voters are quickly becoming an electoral force, and attempting to win their support solely with rhetoric will be a losing strategy, no matter the political party.
Instead, our leaders need to pursue actual solutions to the challenges young people face, rather than just satisfying them with symbolic moves during an election year. The Biden administration must lead with real solutions and truly listen to young voters if it wants their support.
Stephen Perkins is the chief operating officer at the American Conservation Coalition. Follow him on X @Stephen_Perkins.
