Shannon Van Hoesen, shannon.vanhoesen@sierraclub.org
Washington, DC - The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) released data today that shows the United States has exported more methane gas in the first half of 2023 than ever before in the same period. Most U.S. gas exports consist of liquefied gas, known as LNG. According to EIA, the United States first started exporting gas in 2016 and is now the largest LNG exporter in the world.
The Department of Energy is supposed to determine whether gas export applications are in the public interest. Despite the fact that gas exports endanger local communities on the frontline of these facilities, accelerate climate change, and raise domestic energy prices, the agency has never denied a permit based on a public interest determination.
In response, Sierra Club and Healthy Gulf issued the following statements:
Mahyar Sorour, Sierra Club Beyond Dirty Fossil Fuels Policy Director, said:
“The United States is exporting more gas than ever before at a time when domestic gas prices are more volatile than ever and more people are dealing with the fallout from extreme weather events. The data is clear - we can not meet our ambitious and necessary climate goals while also growing our export capacity for fossil fuels. President Biden and his administration can take steps right now to halt this exponential growth in gas exports for the sake of our communities, our climate, and our pocketbooks.
Naomi Yoder, Healthy Gulf Staff Scientist, said:
"It's alarming to see the continued push to export more and more gas, especially following a summer of extreme weather events that made apparent what our future might look like. Expanding methane gas exports is the exact opposite of what we should be doing. With a majority of the 21 facilities existing in or proposed for the Gulf Coast in communities of color and low-income communities, it's unacceptable that the Biden administration would continue to allow for this expansion that flies in the face of environmental justice. Gulf Coast communities are tired of being a sacrifice zone that puts industry profits over people's wellbeing."
About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with millions of members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.