The Trump administration has announced it will end a Biden-era pause on liquefied natural gas (LNG) export approvals, saying increased exports are in the public interest by boosting the economy and supporting allies, while posing minimal environmental risks.
In a May 19 press release, the Department of Energy (DOE) said it will begin issuing final decisions on a backlog of applications to export LNG to countries without free trade agreements with the United States.
The move follows the release of the DOE’s formal response to public comments on a December 2024 study on the economic, environmental, and geopolitical impacts of increased LNG exports. The response downplays the agency’s concerns under President Joe Biden about climate and price impacts, concluding instead that expanded exports serve the national interest and must be weighed by the relevant authorities against any environmental and health impacts….