NE Washington News

House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers has expressed strong opposition to a recent Department of Energy (DOE) study concerning liquefied natural gas (LNG). The study, released by the DOE, has been described by Rodgers as an attempt to solidify President Joe Biden's environmental agenda.

"Let's call this 'study' what it is: A clear attempt to cement Joe Biden's rush-to-green agenda," Rodgers stated. She criticized the administration's approach, which she claims includes a "de facto ban on LNG exports." According to Rodgers, these actions are politically driven and aim to satisfy environmental activists at the cost of American jobs and energy security. She emphasized that House Republicans intend to reverse this ban to promote domestic natural gas resources.

In January 2024, the Biden administration announced an indefinite pause on LNG export permits, which was immediately criticized by Rodgers as a "gift to Putin." Following this, more than 150 House Republicans urged President Biden to end what they see as a de facto ban on LNG exports. In February 2024, bipartisan support led to the passage of H.R. 7176 in an effort to overturn the export ban.

Rodgers highlighted concerns that DOE's recent study could complicate plans for new LNG export terminals under President-Elect Donald Trump’s incoming administration. Reports suggest that DOE is accelerating its study on climate impacts related to LNG exports, potentially affecting future project approvals.

A letter from E&C Republicans called for DOE Secretary Jennifer Granholm to halt the premature release of the anti-LNG study. The letter notes that since 2012, DOE studies have generally supported U.S. LNG exports as beneficial to public interest and clarified that upstream and downstream activities are not part of DOE’s environmental review scope.

Despite past findings favoring LNG exports, the current administration seeks an expanded environmental review aligned with a transition away from fossil fuels.