Rep. Carol Miller, U.S. Representative for West Virginia 1st District | Facebook Website
Rep. Carol Miller, U.S. Representative for West Virginia 1st District | Facebook Website
Congresswoman Carol Miller, along with Congressman August Pfluger and 43 other colleagues, has raised concerns about the Department of Energy's transparency regarding liquefied natural gas (LNG) export studies. They have addressed a letter to Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm questioning the Biden-Harris administration's handling of these studies.
The lawmakers express concern over potential violations related to non-Free Trade Agreement approvals for natural gas exports. They refer to reports suggesting that the administration conducted an economic and environmental review of LNG in 2023 but did not disclose findings favorable to U.S. LNG. The administration announced a ban on export permits to non-FTA countries on January 26, 2024, citing climate impact reviews.
Under current law, exports to FTA countries must be approved without delay. For non-FTA countries, approval is required unless it contradicts public interest. Historically, the Department of Energy has found LNG exports beneficial during both Republican and Democratic administrations.
The DOE has paused non-FTA approvals during its review process, which critics compare to previous attempts by the Biden-Harris administration to halt oil and gas production on federal lands—a move blocked by a federal court.
In an ongoing Freedom of Information Act case involving Government Accountability and Oversight (GAO), the DOE identified numerous documents related to LNG export studies from January 1, 2023, through October 31, 2023. GAO suggests this indicates discrepancies in the administration's public statements about its review basis.
Secretary Granholm testified before Congress on May 1, stating no study had been conducted by the DOE under Biden-Harris; however, evidence suggests otherwise. Lawmakers now demand clarity on several points: whether any analysis occurred before January's announcement; if preliminary results were shared with DOE or White House officials; why Pacific Northwest National Lab (PNNL) is involved alongside NETL; and whether findings from NETL in 2023 were politically unfavorable.
They also inquire if a study will be published in January 2025 as previously indicated by Secretary Granholm.
The congress members expect answers from the DOE by November 8, seeking transparency in this matter.
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