In a recent move, over 100 Democratic lawmakers have urged the Biden administration to assess the climate impact of expanding liquefied natural gas (LNG) infrastructure in the United States. This comes as the Department of Energy (DOE) has approved new LNG export projects and expansions, raising concerns among lawmakers.
The lawmakers argue that LNG expansion contradicts President Biden’s climate goals and disproportionately affects low-income communities. They have requested a comprehensive review of the climate and environmental justice impacts of LNG projects before any further approvals are granted.
Experts believe that increasing LNG exports could conflict with the goal of reaching net-zero emissions by 2050. The US Department of Energy is currently reviewing 18 applications for LNG export facilities. Senate Democrats have also requested the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to review the environmental and climate impacts of LNG infrastructure projects.
The Biden administration’s climate goals include reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2030 and achieving a 100% clean energy economy by 2050. As the United States continues on the path towards a cleaner energy future, it is essential for the federal government to assess the potential climate impacts of projects, such as LNG infrastructure expansion, in order to align with these goals.
With lawmakers and experts voicing concerns over the environmental and climate impacts of expanding LNG infrastructure, it remains to be seen how the Biden administration will respond to these calls for a comprehensive review. As the US strives to achieve its climate goals, it will be crucial for the government to carefully consider the implications of its decisions on both the environment and the communities affected by these projects.
