Warren asks DOE to end pledge of doubling LNG exports

Warren asks DOE to end pledge of doubling LNG exports

Warren Urges DOE to Reassess LNG Export Policies Amid Rising Domestic Energy Costs

Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and a coalition of colleagues have called on the Biden administration to reevaluate its liquefied natural gas (LNG) export policies, citing concerns that increased exports are exacerbating energy price volatility for American households. In a February 2022 letter to Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm, Warren emphasized the need to prioritize domestic energy affordability as winter heating costs surge according to a letter.

The letter highlights that nearly half of U.S. homes rely on natural gas for heating, with energy costs projected to rise by 30% in 2022. Despite these challenges, the U.S. became the world's leading LNG exporter in December 2021, a development Warren attributes to corporate profiteering that reduces domestic supply and inflates prices as reported. The senators argue that the Department of Energy (DOE) should pause new LNG export facility permits until the administration fully assesses the impact on consumers.

Warren's stance aligns with broader efforts to address energy equity. In November 2021, she criticized major energy firms for exporting record volumes of natural gas while simultaneously raising domestic prices. Separately, she and colleagues advocated for strengthening the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) to mitigate the financial strain on vulnerable households according to their advocacy.

The DOE has not publicly responded to the 2022 letter but has emphasized updating regulatory frameworks to balance national security, clean energy goals, and economic interests as stated in an article. While the administration has approved several LNG export permits in recent years, it has also signaled a commitment to reviewing policies that could stabilize domestic energy markets.

As debates over LNG exports continue, Warren's push underscores the tension between global energy demands and domestic affordability—a challenge likely to persist as the U.S. navigates its role in both global energy markets and domestic economic stability.

Warren, Colleagues Urge Biden Administration to Consider Limiting Liquefied Natural Gas Exports (February 4, 2022): Warren, Colleagues Urge Biden Administration to Consider Limiting Liquefied Natural Gas Exports (February 4, 2022)
DOE to Update Public Interest Analysis to Enhance National Security, Achieve Clean Energy Goals: DOE to Update Public Interest Analysis to Enhance National Security, Achieve Clean Energy Goals