East Idaho Times

U.S. Senator Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) and 25 Republican Senate colleagues have criticized the Biden Administration for halting pending non-free trade agreement (FTA) export permit applications. The decision was made at the request of the radical climate lobby. In a letter addressed to President Biden and U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Jennifer Granholm, the senators expressed concern about the Administration's move to re-evaluate the criteria for approving permits for liquified natural gas (LNG) export projects.

The senators emphasized the potential negative consequences of the "LNG Plan" drafted without any input from Congress. They argued that such a plan could have significant economic, environmental, and national security implications both domestically and globally. The senators stressed the importance of maintaining the United States' advantage in the energy sector, particularly at a time when energy is being used as a geopolitical weapon.

The senators highlighted the vital role that U.S. LNG exports have played in providing energy to countries in Europe and across the globe. They pointed out that almost half of U.S. LNG exports have been delivered to Europe, with a notable increase following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. When European imports of LNG rose by 60 percent in 2022, U.S. LNG met that demand. The senators warned that limiting U.S. LNG exports would force European leaders to choose between depriving their citizens of energy or funding Russia's war on Ukraine.

Furthermore, the senators argued that restricting U.S. LNG exports would not affect the global demand for natural gas. Instead, countries like Russia and Iran would simply produce more energy with less stringent environmental regulations. This, in turn, could potentially add to global emissions. The senators urged President Biden and Secretary Granholm to reconsider their decision and to support American LNG exports for the benefit of the environment, economy, and national security of the United States and its allies.

The letter was signed by numerous Republican senators, including Bill Cassidy (R-Louisiana), John Barrasso (R-Wyoming), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), and Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), among others.

The concerns raised by the senators reflect their belief that the Biden Administration's decision to pause pending non-FTA export permits for LNG projects could have far-reaching consequences. They argue that limiting American LNG exports in the name of combating climate change may not achieve the desired environmental goals but could instead lead to an increase in global emissions. These senators are advocating for the support and championing of American LNG exports, emphasizing the positive impact it has on the United States' economy, environment, and national security.