Environmental Groups Take Aim at Gas Exports
Leading environmental organizations, including the Sierra Club, the League of Conservation Voters, and renowned activist Bill McKibben, have launched a campaign targeting U.S. gas exports. With more than two dozen new or expansion projects underway, critics argue that the extensive development goes beyond what's necessary and places a heavier burden on Gulf Coast communities and communities of color across the nation. They're urging Washington to thoroughly assess the cumulative impacts of these projects before granting more permits.
“Why are we even talking about spewing more greenhouse gases into the atmosphere in 2023, the hottest year on record? It doesn't make sense," emphasized Bill McKibben during a recent video news conference.
Balancing Act: National Security, Climate, and Politics
This pushback underscores the complex task facing the Biden administration, which must navigate the intersection of national security, climate promises, and domestic politics. While Biden approved the Willow oil drilling project in Alaska's North Slope, environmentalists were left disappointed, even though the White House argued that some form of sanction was legally necessary.
However, critics assert that the greenhouse gas emissions tied to a single LNG export project, known as Calcasieu Pass 2 (CP2), could be twenty times greater than those from the Willow project. This staggering difference raises concerns about the true environmental impact of these projects.
A Case for Gas Exports
Proponents argue that U.S. gas exports provide other nations with a cleaner energy alternative, especially when compared to coal, which has experienced a resurgence in global demand. According to Shaylyn Hynes, spokeswoman for the CP2 project's owner, Venture Global, LNG plays a crucial role in providing energy to Europe and millions of people in impoverished regions.
“The well-funded environmental activists opposing CP2 and all U.S. LNG projects are completely out of touch with reality," Hynes remarked. "Ironically, Mr. McKibben and other activists advocating for restricting access to cleaner energy are not in line with their goal of reducing global emissions."
The Gas Export History
U.S. gas exports have been a contentious issue for over a decade. Initially looking to import more gas, the U.S. instead embarked on a journey of gas production that far exceeded domestic consumption. As a result, requests for federal permits to export gas were granted under the Obama administration, and Biden subsequently backed the industry amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
U.S. LNG exports have doubled over the past four years, and the projects already approved and under construction are set to double America's LNG export capacity in the next four years. Most of these projects are concentrated along the Gulf Coast, particularly in the industrial region spanning Louisiana and Texas.
The Gas vs. Coal Debate
Supporters of these projects argue that gas can play a vital role in curbing climate change, particularly if it replaces coal, one of the dirtiest fossil fuels. They highlight that much of the exported gas is destined for European countries and Asian nations like China, where coal-fired power plants are still being built.
Environmentalists' Concerns
Environmentalists counter that shifting from coal to gas is insufficient to address climate change. They point to findings by the International Energy Agency that suggest humanity must cease building new oil, gas, or coal infrastructure to avert severe global warming. Additionally, methane, a potent greenhouse gas and a significant component of LNG, frequently leaks from oil and gas infrastructure.
A Way Forward
Some analysts propose that instead of curbing supply, the focus should be on reducing emissions and eliminating leaks in the gas industry to address climate concerns. The Biden administration has emphasized these goals, aiming to both safeguard energy security and decarbonize the natural gas sector.
Consumer Impact
One potential downside of the export projects is the impact on U.S. consumers. Sending more gas abroad has driven up domestic natural gas prices, resulting in higher bills for heating homes. Halting the growth of LNG export projects could alleviate this issue for American consumers.
#ClimateChange, #GasExports, #EnvironmentalDebate, #EnergySecurity, #EmissionsReduction
