Highlights from the Energy Subcommittee Field Hearing on Biden’s De Facto LNG Export Ban

The Energy and Commerce Committee’s Subcommittee on Energy, Climate, and Grid Security Chair Jeff Duncan (R-SC) led a field hearing in Port Arthur, Texas, this week. Local leaders celebrated the economic and public benefits of American energy production in the community—and the country as a whole—while also warning of the dangers of President Biden’s decision to halt American LNG exports.

Check out these stories from the hearing:

The impacts of President Joe Biden’s LNG export permit freeze has reverberated across the nation’s oil/gas industry. But nowhere are its impacts felt more acutely than in southeast Texas, where as many as 24 job-generating petrochemical infrastructure projects, including several already under way, are now in limbo.

The uncertainty fostered by the Biden administration’s Jan. 26 implementation of a “temporary pause” in LNG export permits most notably threatens to derail economic development in Port Arthur and Beaumont, two port cities where billions in planned job-generating investments by private industries have been tailored to benefit local residents and redress long standing community environmental concerns.

Local officials outlined how the LNG permit freeze has paralyzed economic development across southeast Texas during a 90-minute April 8 congressional field hearing at Lamar State College in Port Arthur.

The administration’s “stopping or suspending LNG exports has an obvious and direct impact on maritime commerce and the jobs it supports” in the region, Port of Port Arthur Port Director/CEO Larry Kelley told the House Energy & Commerce Committee’s Energy, Climate & Grid Security Subcommittee. 

At a field hearing on Monday held at Lamar State College in Port Arthur Texas, members of the Congressional Subcommittee on Energy, Climate, and Grid Security listened to testimony from witnesses regarding the impact that the pause has had on the community. 

The first witness who spoke was Thurman Bill Bartie, Mayor of Port Arthur. He called for both sides to reach a compromise but was firm in his stance that the pause will have a negative impact on the economy of Port Arthur. 

“The rush to green concept that is being applied to the said LNG supplier will have a negative impact on the economic growth and stability of Port Arthur, Texas. The jobs Arthurans have during this construction phase will be compromised negatively if the permitting is continued to be disallowed,” said Bartie. 

Dr Betty Reynard, President of Lamar State College testimony addressed the growth in scholarship opportunities that are being provided for students by the LNG industry. She also spoke of the growth in college programs for LNG related careers and internships from LNG companies. 

The fight continues between Southeast Texas lawmakers and the Biden administration's halt on all future liquified natural gas (LNG) exports. 

U.S. Representative Randy Weber joined the Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Energy, Climate, and Grid Security for a hearing to discuss the effects of the ban. 

Weber says he refuses to give in and wants Southeast Texas to remain on the frontlines of energy exports. 

"Joe Biden's ban directly jeopardizes Port Arthur's LNG which broke ground in construction last month," Weber said. 

Weber continues to stand firm with other Southeast Texas leaders including Port Arthur Mayor Thurman Bill Bartie against the Biden administration's decision to halt permits on all major LNG exports.

Energy Subcommittee Chair Jeff Duncan (R-SC) said, “Port Arthur and the folks here today are the backbone of the American energy industry. It is a major energy hub, home to many oil and gas facilities, including several LNG export terminals.

“You all are who we have to thank when we turn our lights on, start our engines, and blast our AC in the hot summer months. You are who the Biden administration should have consulted with prior to his decision.” 

Rep. Randy Weber (R-TX) added, “Just a few miles away from here is the home of Port Arthur LNG and Golden Pass LNG, both of which provide THOUSANDS of direct jobs and BILLIONS of dollars back into our community.” 

Prior to the field hearing, Members toured Cheniere’s Sabine Pass LNG Export facility.  

From left to right: Reps. Randy Weber (R-TX), Morgan Griffith (R-VA),  

Jeff Duncan (R-SC), and Lizzie Fletcher (D-TX) 

CLICK HERE to watch the hearing. 

CLICK HERE to read Rep. Randy Weber’s (R-TX) op-ed on Biden’s LNG export ban. 

CLICK HERE to distinguish LNG myths from fact. 

CLICK HERE to read about the letter more than 150 House Republicans sent to President Biden demanding he end his LNG export ban.