Southern West Virginia News

Congresswoman Carol Miller (R-WV) and the Energy Export Caucus have sent a letter to President Biden expressing their concerns about the Administration's decision to limit the export of U.S. liquefied natural gas (LNG). The letter emphasizes the potential negative impact on national security, the economy, and clean energy goals.

One of the main concerns raised in the letter is the impact on national security. The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has highlighted Europe's reliance on Russian gas. Europe has committed to reducing its dependency on Russian gas by the end of the decade, but this is a challenging task considering that Russian gas accounted for over 40% of the European Union's gas supply in 2021. The letter acknowledges President Biden's pledge to help Europe reduce its dependence on Russian gas by delivering additional U.S. LNG to the continent. U.S. LNG exports to Europe have increased significantly, providing price stability and security. This partnership between Europe and the U.S. helps counter Russian aggression and dependence, contributing to global stability. It is crucial for the U.S. to remain a lead exporter of LNG to fulfill commitments made to trade partners and allied countries.

The letter also highlights the importance of LNG exports to the U.S. economy. In 2023, U.S. LNG exports reached a record high, making the U.S. the top exporter in the world. This expansion creates high-paying jobs, reduces the trade deficit, and strengthens the domestic economy. The natural gas industry supports over 10 million American jobs and indirectly generates additional jobs elsewhere in the economy. It also contributes significantly to labor income and GDP. Limiting LNG exports would harm an industry that provides millions of jobs and trillions of dollars to the economy.

Furthermore, the letter emphasizes the role of LNG exports in achieving global emission goals. Unlike the United States, where methane emissions are regulated and declining, Russia's natural gas facilities and distribution networks are old, leaky, and largely unregulated. Transporting gas through Russian pipelines is three times more climate-intensive than shipping it from the U.S. American LNG can be up to 30% cleaner than Russian natural gas. The use of U.S. LNG exports for electricity generation in Europe and Asia would not increase greenhouse gas emissions. By bolstering U.S. LNG production and exportation, the Biden administration can effectively address global climate goals.

In conclusion, the letter from Congresswoman Carol Miller and the Energy Export Caucus urges President Biden to reconsider the decision to limit LNG exports. They highlight the importance of LNG exports for national security, the economy, and global emission goals. The letter emphasizes the positive impact of U.S. LNG exports on price stability, security, job creation, and emissions reduction.