WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), and John Barrasso (R-WY), Ranking Member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, issued a strong rebuke of the Biden-Harris administration’s recently released Department of Energy (DOE) study on liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports. The report, released during the holiday season, evaluates the implications of LNG exports but has drawn criticism from Republican lawmakers who argue it undermines domestic energy production and national security.
Key Concerns Over LNG Export Pause
Senator Cassidy criticized the study and the administration’s decision to freeze pending LNG export applications, describing the move as a “war on American energy and workers.” Cassidy highlighted natural gas’s role in reducing emissions and ensuring energy security for U.S. allies.
“The only ‘science’ driving the Biden-Harris LNG pause and study is political science,” said Cassidy. “It’s no secret the Biden-Harris administration decided to dump this report during the holiday season because their actions amounted to war on American energy and war on the American worker. Natural gas has significantly lowered emissions, and LNG has been a lifeline for our allies’ energy and economic security.”
Senator Barrasso echoed Cassidy’s concerns, calling the study biased and highlighting the economic and security benefits of American LNG exports. “Studies have repeatedly shown that American liquefied natural gas exports benefit our economy, our environment, our security, and the security of our allies,” Barrasso stated. “Nothing in a biased study from a bitter administration on its way out the door can change that.”
Proposed Legislative Solutions
In response to the Biden administration’s actions, Cassidy and Barrasso have introduced legislative measures to counter the freeze on LNG export approvals:
- LNG Security Act: This bill would reverse the freeze on new LNG export approvals and require the DOE to greenlight LNG exports to countries importing or capable of importing Russian or Iranian natural gas.
- Unlocking Domestic LNG Potential Act: This proposal would transfer LNG export approval authority from the DOE to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), aiming to depoliticize the approval process and streamline regulatory oversight.
Impact on U.S. Energy Policy and Global Security
Cassidy emphasized the broader implications of the administration’s decisions, particularly for European allies reliant on U.S. LNG since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. “Our European allies will now be forced to decide between depriving their citizens of energy or actively funding Putin,” Cassidy warned.
Both senators have underscored the potential economic and national security risks of curbing LNG exports. In a joint op-ed with Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) earlier this year, Cassidy outlined the negative impacts of the freeze on domestic energy production, environmental progress, and geopolitical stability.
Looking Ahead
The release of the DOE study has intensified debates about the future of U.S. energy policy. Republican lawmakers are positioning LNG exports as critical to economic growth, environmental sustainability, and national security. Cassidy and Barrasso expressed optimism that a new administration would reverse these policies and support the growth of American energy industries.