U.S. President Joe Biden paused approvals for pending and future applications to export liquefied natural gas (LNG) from new projects.

Earlier, climate activists appealed to the U.S. government in order to tighten permitting requirements for new liquefied natural gas export facilities. Climate activists argue that the active construction of LNG terminals in the U.S. will lead to a significant increase in the length of time the gas will be used, as well as increased global warming.

The following White House decision on a temporary pause on pending decisions for exports of liquefied natural gas is not surprising. In presidential election years, the White House is sensitive to this kind of demands from the electorate.

We will take a hard look at the impacts of LNG exports on energy costs, America’s energy security and our environment, President Joe Biden said in a statement. This pause on new LNG approvals sees the climate crisis for what it is: the existential threat of our time.

The Biden administration has said it is suspending permits for projects that were not scheduled to start up until three to four years from now. However, this move can open up new opportunities for countries competing with the U.S. in the LNG export market.

Source: Monocle

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