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 subcommittee hearing on President Biden’s LNG export ban.

BIDEN’S LNG EXPORT BAN 

“Ignoring science and heeding the loudest in his political base, President Biden recently moved to ban exports of U.S. Liquefied Natural Gas, or ‘LNG’—and he did this over the best interests of the American people.  

“Less than two weeks ago, the Biden administration announced that it would impose 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 Biden administration did NOT issue an Executive Order or request Congress enact legislation, but instead issued this major policy shift through a FACT SHEET in a press release. 

“The announcement indicates no end point or timeline for this 'indefinite pause.'  

“We invited DOE to testify, but they declined to send anyone to this hearing. They left America—and the communities of Southwest Louisiana and Texas—with many unanswered questions and unrecognized concerns.  

“I am thankful, however, we will get to hear from witnesses who can speak to the benefits of US LNG and how the ban on LNG exports will harm the American economy, our energy security, and our national security.” 

BENEFITS OF UNLEASHING AMERICAN ENERGY 

“LNG exports strengthen energy security, create jobs, decrease energy prices here at home, and lower emissions globally. 

“LNG exports could add between $50 to 73 billion to the US economy by 2023 and add up to 450,000 jobs by 2040.  

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

“In addition to undercutting our domestic energy industry, President Biden’s decision is a gift to Putin.  

“Global demand for natural 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 now look to Qatar, Russia, and Iran to meet their growing energy needs. 

“The Biden administration’s energy policy has been a handout to our adversaries. 

“The happiest person when Biden took office was Vladimir Putin.

“He knew he could continue to exploit the stranglehold the well-funded radical climate lobby has on this administration.

“These radical environmentalists don’t seem to care about the economic and environmental benefits exporting US gas has—especially to countries desperate to escape poverty.

“Under current law, any person wishing to import or export US natural gas must first obtain approval from FERC to construct and operate an LNG facility. This requires applicants to complete an environmental and safety review.

“After FERC issues this certification, DOE conducts a 'public interest' review of the project. DOE is required to do this for all exports going to Non-Free Trade Agreement countries.

“DOE is required to grant the export application UNLESS it is found that the proposed exportation or importation of LNG is not in the public interest.

“Congress intended the 'public interest' requirement to consider economic factors when it originally enacted the Natural Gas Act.

“The Biden administration has weaponized this review, in order to pursue climate objectives. Ironically, Biden and environmental radicals are going to achieve the opposite because a ban of U.S. LNG exports will increase emissions.”

REPUBLICAN SOLUTION

“Republicans have a solution. My colleague Congressman Pfluger recently introduced HR 7176, the Unlocking our Domestic LNG Potential Act—formerly led by Rep. Johnson.

“This bill would lift 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 based on this administration’s weaponized 'public interest' test.

“DOE has consistently found that U.S. LNG exports serve the 'public interest' because they contribute positive economic benefits and strengthen energy security for the American people. These exports also have the potential to reduce global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

“Mr. Pfluger’s bill is the solution to pushing back on yet another awful Biden energy policy, and I urge all my colleagues to support this effort.”