Staff Reports
President Joe Biden’s decision to halt approvals of U.S. liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports has ignited a firestorm of backlash from outraged Republicans. They argue that this move will only empower countries such as Russia and potentially harm American economic growth and national security.
Biden’s announcement of the pause on Friday has drawn sharp condemnation from prominent GOP figures, with House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) leading the charge. In fiery rebuke, Johnson decried the decision as “outrageous” and “subversive,” asserting that stalling LNG export terminals in the U.S. would not only impede economic growth but also serve to bolster adversaries like Vladimir Putin’s Russia.
GOP outraged over Biden pause of LNG exports: ‘Empowers adversaries like Putin’ – Washington Examiner https://t.co/fSnccqfmto
— Fearless45 (@Fearless45Trump) January 27, 2024
The pause, which aims to assess the environmental and climate impact of exporting significant LNG quantities, has infuriated Republicans who see it as a reckless move that neglects the economic and national security implications of new LNG export facilities. House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-LA) echoed these sentiments, denouncing the decision as an “outrageous attack on American energy” that could endanger U.S. allies reliant on American energy, particularly in Europe.
The Biden administration’s recent delay in approving Louisiana’s CP2 export terminal, combined with the broader halt on all approvals, has already sent shockwaves through the industry. The potential consequences are far-reaching, with southern states such as Texas bracing for the impact on their export businesses.
Several Republican lawmakers have expressed concerns over the geopolitical repercussions of Biden’s decision. Representatives August Pfluger (R-TX) and Kevin Hern (R-OK) castigated the move as a retreat that undermines global security, increases energy poverty, and fails to support U.S. allies during a period of global instability.
The criticism extended beyond Capitol Hill, as the decision has become a political lightning rod heading into the next election cycle. Former President Donald Trump’s campaign swiftly condemned Biden’s action, asserting that it capitulates to the demands of environmental extremists and militates against America’s economic and national security interests.
As Republicans mount a scathing offensive against the administration’s pause on LNG exports, the future impact remains uncertain. Despite the Biden administration’s pledge to update the pause in the coming months for public input, the implications of pausing the world’s leading LNG exporter could resonate globally. The U.S. has emerged as a critical supplier of LNG to allies in Asia and the European Union, particularly following Russia’s military intervention in Ukraine.
