The Biden administration's newly released study raises alarms about the potential impacts of ramping up liquefied natural gas (L.N.G.) exports from the United States. With President-elect Donald J. Trump poised to back the development of additional export terminals, experts indicate this could provoke higher domestic energy costs and increased pollution, especially in coastal areas hosting these facilities.
Gas Exports Highlight Environmental Concerns Amid a Shift in Administration
Gas Exports Highlight Environmental Concerns Amid a Shift in Administration
A recent study reveals the environmental and economic risks associated with increasing liquefied natural gas exports that may challenge incoming policies.
The Energy Department's comprehensive analysis points out that elevating L.N.G. exports risks exposing the U.S. market to international price fluctuations, which could elevate energy prices domestically. Moreover, the study suggests that additional gas exports may heighten greenhouse gas emissions on a global scale, while pollution from export terminals could affect nearby communities.
While the study notes some advantages of L.N.G. exports—including economic benefits and enhanced energy security for U.S. allies like Europe—it stops short of calling on the incoming administration to halt exports outright. However, Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm expressed concerns, emphasizing in her accompanying letter that a "business-as-usual approach is neither sustainable nor advisable" moving forward.
Environmental advocacy groups are expected to leverage the findings of this study in legal actions against new export terminal constructions. The final decision on L.N.G. export policies will ultimately be determined by the incoming Trump administration, with Granholm urging them to consider the implications of continued export expansion on the American public and economy.
While the study notes some advantages of L.N.G. exports—including economic benefits and enhanced energy security for U.S. allies like Europe—it stops short of calling on the incoming administration to halt exports outright. However, Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm expressed concerns, emphasizing in her accompanying letter that a "business-as-usual approach is neither sustainable nor advisable" moving forward.
Environmental advocacy groups are expected to leverage the findings of this study in legal actions against new export terminal constructions. The final decision on L.N.G. export policies will ultimately be determined by the incoming Trump administration, with Granholm urging them to consider the implications of continued export expansion on the American public and economy.
