Sen. John Barrasso - Ranking member of the Energy and Natural Resources Committee | Official U.S. Senate headshot
Sen. John Barrasso - Ranking member of the Energy and Natural Resources Committee | Official U.S. Senate headshot
In a recent plea to President Biden’s Climate Envoy John Podesta, U.S. Senator John Barrasso, along with Senators Dan Sullivan, Roger Wicker, and Jim Risch, called for an immediate reversal of the Biden administration’s ban on new LNG exports. The senators expressed grave concerns about the national security and foreign policy implications of the ban, particularly in light of ongoing global conflicts.
The letter from the senators emphasizes the importance of the United States serving as a reliable fuel supplier to allied nations during times of geopolitical instability. They assert that the ban on LNG exports raises doubts about the country's dependability in providing a long-term fuel supply, urging for its immediate reversal to safeguard national security interests.
Highlighting the significance of LNG exports, the senators point out that the United States has the potential to meet a substantial portion of the global demand for LNG by fully developing its capacity. They argue that limiting the export of LNG, a commodity that runs a trade surplus for the United States, could have negative economic consequences domestically and internationally.
Furthermore, the senators underscore the strategic value of U.S. LNG exports in providing energy security to allies and reducing their reliance on potentially hostile foreign suppliers. They stress that American LNG offers a secure and diverse energy source, enabling the U.S. to compete with major natural gas exporters like Russia, Qatar, and Iran on the global stage.
The senators warn that maintaining the ban on LNG exports could not only jeopardize national security but also hinder domestic economic growth. They point out that the expansion of the LNG industry could generate billions of dollars in capital expenditures, contribute significantly to GDP, and create hundreds of thousands of jobs in the United States.
In conclusion, the senators urge the Biden administration to reconsider its decision on LNG exports, emphasizing the environmental benefits of American natural gas and the importance of maintaining the country's influence in global energy markets. They assert that reversing the ban is crucial to upholding America's position as a reliable LNG exporter and preserving its economic and geopolitical interests.
The letter serves as a strong call to action for Podesta and the administration to prioritize the reversal of the ban on U.S. LNG exports to ensure the country's energy security and economic prosperity.