Lubbock Times

Congressman Jodey Arrington (R, TX-19) and his co-chairs of the House Energy Export Caucus have led a bipartisan group of over 50 Members of Congress in urging the Biden-Harris administration to authorize liquified natural gas (LNG) export permits. This call follows a federal judge's decision to block the administration’s ban on new permits.

"Since his first day in office, President Biden has launched a unilateral assault on American oil and gas, choking the lifeblood of our economy, crushing consumers with high energy costs, and sending oil production overseas — enriching our adversaries like Russia and China," said Congressman Arrington. "Thankfully, Biden’s ban on American LNG export permits was blocked. Yet, his administration is still dragging its heels on approving these permits in an attempt to placate the far-Left. It’s critical that the DOE swiftly approve stalled export permit applications to strengthen our economy, bolster our energy security, and restore American energy dominance."

Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R, LA-1) added, "President Biden’s reckless decision to halt approvals for new LNG projects was a bad policy from the start and threatens America’s energy security and national security. We should be focusing on unleashing American energy to create more good-paying American jobs, lower energy costs, and support our allies abroad, and I’m proud to join my colleagues in urging President Biden to comply with the federal court order."

Congressman J. Luis Correa (D, CA-46) emphasized the economic benefits of LNG exports: "The U.S. LNG industry supports millions of good-paying American jobs and contributes trillions to the national GDP. It's not only clean and reliable but should also be recognized as a model of American energy independence. There were considerable negative economic, national security, and environmental impacts as a result of the Administration's original pause--and they must begin expediting review of existing LNG export permit applications so that we can create American jobs, support U.S. allies, and reduce carbon emissions."

Congresswoman Carol Miller (R, WV-1) stated her concerns about national security: "In order to ensure energy security in the United States, LNG export permits must be expedited. Intentionally stopping American energy production allows our adversaries to step in where we are failing to deliver at home and abroad. When the United States is energy independent, more jobs are created, our national security is protected, and energy costs are lowered. The Biden administration must begin expedited review of existing permits immediately."

Congressman Henry Cuellar (D, TX-28) echoed similar sentiments: “Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) is critical to the U.S. economy and our allies abroad. It is also important from an environmental and national security standpoint. We need to expedite pending LNG export permits. This will not only support American jobs but strengthen the resolve of our allies.”

Rob Jennings from the American Petroleum Institute highlighted broader benefits: “The benefits of U.S. LNG exports are well-established—they support thousands of American jobs, help stabilize global energy markets and drive emissions reductions worldwide. Limiting these exports risks ceding America’s energy advantage to hostile nations and undermining our national security."

Dan Byers from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Global Energy Institute commented on international implications: “Our allies are counting on American natural gas to meet their energy needs for decades to come... The U.S. Chamber of Commerce commends and supports House Energy Export Caucus leaders... calling on DOE to immediately resume processing of LNG export terminal applications.”

Tim Tarpley from Energy Workforce & Technology Council noted potential impacts on workforce: "American LNG production is a powerhouse for our national and global economies... The Energy Workforce & Technology Council commends Congressman Arrington... for advocating swift measures..."

View the full letter and a list of signatories here.

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