Hinds Today

In a recent Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee hearing, U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith expressed bipartisan criticism of the Biden administration's decision to pause permits for liquefied natural gas (LNG) export projects. Hyde-Smith joined others in suggesting that election-year politics may be the driving force behind this surprising move.

Hyde-Smith highlighted the importance of LNG exports in supporting allies and countering global threats. She stated, "The U.S. exports more LNG than any other country in the world, which is a critical way of aiding our allies against Putin's aggressions and combating Iranian-backed forces. However, with this new pause on approvals, this aid could end. I mean it's like, 'You're welcome, Russia.'"

During the hearing, Hyde-Smith questioned Deputy Energy Secretary David Turk about the sudden shift in the Department of Energy's stance on LNG exports. She pointed out that just six months ago, the department claimed to have "rigorous standards" for approving LNG exports. However, in January, a freeze was placed on pending approvals, and a blanket review of LNG export regulation was initiated in the name of addressing climate change.

Hyde-Smith raised concerns about the potential political motivations behind this change, asking, "Why shouldn't we believe that the sudden change in tune from 'rigorous standards' to a blanket review of LNG export regulation is a result of any strategic, political play from the Biden administration?"

In response, Turk downplayed the impact of the pause on U.S. energy and its effect on allies relying on LNG exports. He stated, "We are just asking questions with this pause. We are asking questions with this analysis to make sure that our experts at the national labs are coming at it in a very rigorous way to inform those decisions once the pause is lifted."

Hyde-Smith, along with 26 other senators, signed a letter to President Biden and Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm expressing concerns about the economic and global security risks associated with reevaluating the criteria for approving LNG export permits. The letter emphasized that limiting U.S. LNG exports would not decrease global demand for natural gas but would instead lead to increased energy production from countries with less stringent environmental regulations, such as Russia and Iran.

The senators urged President Biden and Secretary Granholm to reconsider this decision, stating, "We strongly urge you to stop this shortsighted effort. As the President of the United States and as the Secretary of Energy, you should be championing – not undermining – American LNG exports and the environmental, economic, and national security benefits to the United States and our allies."

The pause on LNG export projects has drawn bipartisan blowback, with concerns about its potential impact on U.S. energy, national security, and global emissions. Critics argue that the Biden administration's decision appears to prioritize political considerations over the well-being of the energy industry and international relationships. As the debate continues, stakeholders will be closely watching for any updates or changes to the administration's LNG policy.