Berks County News

Congressmen Dan Meuser (PA-09), Guy Reschenthaler (PA-14), Lloyd Smucker (PA-11), and Senator J.D. Vance (R-OH) have written a letter to President Joe Biden, urging his Administration to reconsider and reverse its decision to pause pending approvals of liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports. The representatives, who all hail from the Appalachian Basin region, emphasize the importance of natural gas to the economy and national security of the United States, as well as the environmental benefits of this clean energy source.

In the letter, the congressmen and senator highlight the economic significance of the U.S. natural gas industry, which directly supports over 10 million American jobs and contributes nearly $1.8 trillion annually to the U.S. gross domestic product (GDP). They argue that pausing approvals for LNG exports could potentially force U.S. allies into the hands of less stable and potentially adversarial suppliers, thus endangering both energy security and the geopolitical standing of the United States.

Additionally, the signatories stress the environmental advantages of natural gas, stating that it emits approximately 50-60% less carbon dioxide (CO2) than other fossil fuels. They assert that, instead of being vilified, natural gas should be embraced by an administration seeking to reduce carbon emissions.

The letter reads, "By fostering a robust natural gas industry, we stimulate investment, enhance domestic manufacturing, and create well-paying jobs across various sectors – all while protecting our national security and bolstering strategic alliances. LNG export projects are indispensable for ensuring that we continue to function as the economic 'arsenal of democracy' throughout geopolitical incidents such as the war in Ukraine. A reversal of the pause on LNG export applications is not just a strategic imperative but also an economic necessity, ensuring the continued prosperity of our nation. We urge the White House to swiftly correct course and reconsider its ill-conceived decision to further hinder America's ability to be energy dominant."

The letter can be found on the official website of Congressman Dan Meuser.

This letter from the congressmen and senator underscores the importance of LNG exports for the American economy and national security. The representatives argue that continuing to support the natural gas industry is crucial for job creation, domestic manufacturing, and the country's strategic alliances. They also emphasize the environmental benefits of natural gas, urging the administration to recognize its lower carbon emissions compared to other fossil fuels.

The call to reverse the pause on LNG export applications comes at a critical time when geopolitical incidents, such as the war in Ukraine, highlight the need for the United States to maintain its position as the economic "arsenal of democracy." By ensuring the continued prosperity of the nation, LNG exports play a vital role in protecting energy security and bolstering strategic alliances.

The congressmen and senator urge the White House to swiftly reconsider its decision and avoid hindering America's ability to be energy dominant. They believe that embracing LNG exports is not only a strategic imperative but also an economic necessity. The letter serves as a reminder of the importance of natural gas to the nation's prosperity and calls for a reevaluation of the current policy.

As the debate on energy policy continues, the letter from these representatives adds to the discussion by highlighting the economic and national security benefits of LNG exports. It remains to be seen how the Biden Administration will respond to this demand for a reversal of the pause on LNG export approvals.