Media Contact:
Rebekah Staub, Permian-Gulf Communications Manager, rstaub@earthworks.org
WASHINGTON — Today, the fossil fuel industry and Republicans in Congress are attempting to move H.R. 7176 to the House floor for a vote. The hearing comes on the heels of the Biden Administration’s decision to pause reviewing new applications for LNG terminals, which will have no impact on the country’s current export ability or existing commitments despite the energy industry’s claims.
“Unlocking our Domestic LNG Potential Act of 2024” would be a massive giveaway to Big Oil and Gas CEOs by opening the floodgates for gas exports that raise energy costs, accelerate the climate crisis, and make families sick by stripping away the federal government’s responsibility to examine the full impacts of liquefied natural gas (LNG) on the economy, consumer energy costs, the climate, and the health and safety of local communities. Earthworks and For a Better Bayou signed a letter with more than 50 organizations to condemn any efforts to accelerate the expansion of LNG exports.
The Department of Energy’s process is an opportunity to ensure that the public’s interests are fully considered—including cumulative impacts, climate justice analysis, and consumer costs—in regard to LNG exports, which are expected to double by 2027.
“Hardworking families across the U.S. are suffering from rising energy costs, which only get worse when we export more and more LNG to other countries,” said James Hiatt, Founder and Director of For a Better Bayou. “This bill is nothing but a handout to big oil and gas firms that use their paid government allies to fight any steps toward environmental justice in this country, prioritizing profits and polluters over people.”
“Republicans in Congress are desperately trying to protect the interests of polluters despite knowing the devastating effects increasing LNG exports has on families, small businesses, consumers, and manufacturers in this country,” said Kelsey Crane, Senior Policy Advocate at Earthworks. “Lawmakers should stop attacking bedrock environmental laws and supporting multi-billion dollar industries that are polluting communities and hastening climate change.”