Biden Administration Warns LNG Export Expansion Could Raise Costs, Emissions

A new DOE report highlights economic and environmental risks tied to LNG growth, drawing sharp criticism from industry leaders and environmental groups alike.

The Department of Energy's draft report warns that expanding liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports could increase U.S. energy prices by up to 30% and contribute significantly to global carbon emissions by 2050.
The Biden administration's temporary pause on new LNG export permits, introduced in January, was intended to assess the economic and climate impacts of export growth.
Industry leaders argue the report underestimates LNG's role in reducing global coal use and bolstering U.S. economic and geopolitical strength, with some calling it politically motivated.
Environmental groups criticize the report as insufficiently aggressive, urging a full ban on LNG exports to prioritize climate goals before Biden leaves office.
President-elect Donald Trump has pledged to reverse the LNG export pause immediately upon taking office, framing it as a key part of his broader energy expansion agenda.