DOE Releases Updated LNG Export Studies Underpinning Public Interest Determination

Washington, DC - Nearly a year after the historic decision by President Biden and Department of Energy Secretary Granholm to pause consideration of new and pending liquefied methane gas, known as LNG, export applications, the DOE has released updated analysis underpinning the criteria used to make a public interest determination for these applications. The studies were released as final, and there will be a 60-day public comment period that will inform the implementation of the studies. 

In a statement alongside the updated studies, Secretary Granholm highlighted the main takeaways. Through this fact-finding process, DOE concluded that LNG exports lead to a “triple-cost increase to U.S. consumers;” further burden communities already saddled with high levels of industrial and fossil fuel pollution; and expanded LNG exports exacerbate the climate crisis and threaten to displace renewable energy rather than coal over time.

Community leaders, climate scientists, and consumers have been sounding the alarm about the dangers of the unfettered buildout of LNG export terminals that perpetuate the climate crisis, harm communities and raise prices for families. With the final studies now released, Sierra Club is urging DOE to deny export applications pending with the agency before President Biden leaves office. 

In response, Sierra Club released the following statements:

Director of the Beyond Dirty Fuels campaign Cathy Collentine said: “We are grateful that the Department of Energy’s updated studies clearly demonstrate what we and communities living with these facilities know to be true: methane gas exports are not in the public interest. US LNG exports raise energy prices, harm communities, and exacerbate the climate crisis. The facts are on our side. Neither the American people nor our planet can afford expanded LNG exports, and as such, we urge the Department of Energy to immediately deny six key, pending LNG export applications that are FERC-approved, including CP2 and Commonwealth LNG.

“Halting the expansion of LNG exports has never felt more urgent than it does now, as we face another four years of an administration that prioritizes polluter handouts over people. We will not stop fighting against the buildout of LNG exports, as we continue to support communities who are on the frontlines of this climate disaster.” 

Director for the Sierra Club Lone Star Chapter Dave Cortez said: “Year after year, everyday Texans are experiencing ongoing drought, skyrocketing electricity prices, and record high temperatures, all of which will be made worse by the expansion of LNG exports on the Gulf Coast. At a time when fossil fuel-financed politicians are working daily to expand taxpayer handouts to wealthy, polluting energy corporations, it is very welcome news to see the Department of Energy reflect what so many coastal Texans have been saying for years: We don’t need more LNG.” 

Chapter Chair and Manager of Sierra Club Delta Chapter Angelle Bradford Rosenberg said: “In the fight against the climate crisis, we have no time to go backwards. Investing in LNG exports takes us backwards as a nation and a globe, but particularly, in Southern states that are woefully unprotected by our state governments. In order to meet our IPCC goals, it is crucial that we are building an economy for all families and communities, a strong economy that can withstand the next 100 years. Today’s news is a bold step for the Biden Administration and Secretary Granholm." 

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