The Biden administration is weighing greater scrutiny of the greenhouse gas emissions and climate impact associated with its spiked liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports, as reported by Bloomberg on January 19. According to people familiar with the matter, the US Department of Energy (DOE) has launched a review to examine whether climate impacts should be taken into considerations when deciding whether a proposed gas export project meets the national interest. In response to the review that could slow or even freeze the DOE’s issuance of new gas export licenses, the Partnership to Address Global Emissions (PAGE), a coalition representing major gas producers and pipeline operators, has warned the Biden administration against any move to pause US LNG export approvals. The coalition argues that hitting the brake on natural gas exports would impede the environmental benefits of transitioning away from dirtier coal-fired power worldwide.

Following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the US ramped up LNG exports to Europe to help its allies reduce reliance on gas supplies from Russia. Although natural gas is deemed a cleaner fuel than coal, the methane leaks from natural gas exploitation, production, and transport could result in potent greenhouse effect. In addition, the substantial investment in gas infrastructure may divert funds that could otherwise be used for emission-free alternatives. Government data shows that total carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from all seven LNG export facilities in the US reached 17.6 million tons in 2022, surging 81% since 2019. Furthermore, the five LNG export facilities under construction are set to commence operation by 2028, expected to produce an additional 27 million tons of emissions per year.

Sources:

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-01-19/biden-urged-to-keep-lng-exports-flowing-to-help-displace-coal

https://www.politico.com/news/2024/01/09/bidens-aides-weigh-climate-test-for-natural-gas-exports-00134631

https://www.politico.com/news/2024/01/19/biden-europe-gas-exports-00136671

https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/climate-energy/how-shipping-more-us-natural-gas-europe-helped-fuel-c02-pollution-2023-11-08/