Biden admin report could slow Trump efforts to unleash US natural gas production
The Biden administration is set to release a report on the environmental impacts of increasing liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports, which could potentially delay President-elect Trump’s efforts to immediately authorize new licenses for the fuel. Brad Crabtree, the Department of Energy’s assistant secretary for the Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management, informed lawmakers that the report would be released by mid-December. This report aims to assess the economic and environmental implications of expanding U.S. exports of LNG, as required by the Natural Gas Act before issuing new permits.
While some experts downplay the significance of the report, arguing that Trump can easily reverse any restrictions imposed by Biden, others believe it could provide ammunition for environmentalists looking to challenge the Trump administration. Kevin Book, managing director at ClearView Energy Partners, emphasized the need for thorough documentation to support new natural gas permits, highlighting that industry investments hinge on secure permits.
If the report outlines reasons why new natural gas permits are not in the public’s interest, the Trump administration would need to conduct a different study or interpretation to justify issuing permits. This process could potentially take weeks or even months, depending on the content of the Biden administration’s report. Jeff Kupfer, president of nonprofit ConservAmerica, expressed support for LNG exports but acknowledged that the report might slow down the licensing process and fuel opposition from critics of LNG exports.
Despite concerns about potential legal hurdles and delays in issuing new natural gas licenses, some energy sector experts remain unconcerned. Trisha Curtis, CEO of PetroNerds, believes that any legal setbacks can be overcome through legal battles, especially if the comment period falls during the Trump administration. Trump has expressed his intention to lift the temporary pause on new natural gas export permits to boost domestic energy production and roll back Biden’s climate regulations.
The Biden administration’s review of the environmental impact analysis required by the Natural Gas Act has put a temporary halt on issuing new natural gas export permits. Trump’s plans to expedite approvals and permits for energy projects have sparked hope for revitalizing the energy industry and lowering energy costs for consumers. As the transition unfolds, the focus remains on restoring America’s energy dominance, protecting energy jobs, and reducing the cost of living for working families. The Department of Energy was contacted for comment but did not respond by the time of publication.
