Washington D.C. — House Energy and Commerce Energy, Climate, and Grid Security Subcommittee Chair Jeff Duncan (R-SC) delivered the following opening remarks at today’s field hearing in Port Arthur, Texas, on President Biden’s LNG export ban. 

BENEFITS OF U.S. LNG

“Today we will hear from witnesses in the communities that support the United States liquified natural gas or 'LNG' industry. 

“The U.S. is blessed with tremendous natural resources and the entrepreneurial spirit required to harness these resources and propel the United States to global energy dominance. 

“America is the number one producer and exporter of liquified natural gas in the world. We also reduce emissions more than any other nation, both here at home and abroad. 

“We have communities, like the one here in Port Arthur, to thank for this success. 

“LNG exports strengthen energy security, decrease energy prices here at home, support and create U.S. jobs, and help to lower emissions globally. 

“U.S. LNG exports could support up to 452,000 additional American jobs and add up to $73 billion to the US economy by 2040. 

“They can also create billions of dollars in revenues for federal, state, and local governments.” 

BIDEN LNG EXPORT BAN HURTS AMERICAN COMMUNITIES

“Despite the many benefits of LNG exports, President Biden has ignored both reality and science to heed the calls of his radical environmental base.

“As we all are well aware, in January of this year, President Biden issued an indefinite ban on the issuance of LNG export permits to non-Free Trade Agreement countries while it conducts a review to consider the climate impacts of natural gas. The administration indicated no end point or timeline to its decision, which it announced via a press release. 

“This rash decision by the Biden administration will have nationwide impacts and will be detrimental to jobs and economic development in communities that support the U.S. LNG industry.

“It threatens good-paying American jobs across the entire economy, from gas production to manufacturing and even those in restaurant and hospitality jobs. 

“The states most impacted are already feeling the pain due to the uncertainty this announcement creates. This uncertainty will chill investment, discourage planned investment in natural gas production, and have lasting impacts on the thriving energy industry here in Texas.

“It is clear this decision is politically driven and reflective of an administration that continues to put the priorities of environmentalists over the interests of the American people. 

“In addition to harming our domestic energy industry, President Biden’s LNG export ban is a gift to Putin. Global demand for gas is expected to increase 46 percent by 2050, and our European and Asian allies, who want to do business with the United States, will look to Qatar, Russia, and Iran to meet their growing energy needs. 

“The Biden administration and many House Democrats claim to 'support' Ukraine, yet they promote an LNG export ban which bolsters Putin’s stranglehold over Ukraine.

“Republicans in the House of Representatives recognize the urgency of reversing this ban. We recently passed HR 7176, the Unlocking our Domestic LNG Potential Act.

“This would reverse Biden’s export ban and would remove all DOE restrictions on the import and export of natural gas. Export facilities would still have to receive certification from FERC, but DOE would no longer be able to halt exports, like the Biden administration did for political gain.”

PORT ARTHUR ENERGY INDUSTRY

“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.

“I’m glad we are hearing from you today and look forward to you sharing your perspective on the benefits of US LNG.”