President Joe Biden’s legacy will be inextricably linked to his commitment to combating the climate crisis. From rejoining the Paris Agreement to enacting historic investments in clean energy, his administration has laid the groundwork for a transition towards a cleaner energy future. However, with the impending inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump, a known advocate for the fossil fuel industry, the urgency to curb the expansion of fossil fuels, particularly liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports, becomes paramount. This action is crucial to solidify Biden’s climate legacy and mitigate the potential damage of the incoming administration’s policies.
The authors, a US Congressman and a Member of the European Parliament, underscore the importance of transatlantic cooperation in addressing climate change and shaping global energy policy. They argue that halting the expansion of LNG exports is not merely a symbolic gesture but a critical step towards achieving shared climate goals. This action would send a powerful message of global climate leadership, even as the US transitions to an administration potentially less committed to climate action. The authors contend that the current narrative justifying LNG expansion as essential for European energy security and international stability is misleading. They point out that existing US LNG infrastructure is already sufficient to meet Europe’s energy needs and that demand for gas in major export markets like Europe, Japan, and South Korea is declining as these regions increasingly transition to cleaner energy sources.
The environmental impact of LNG production and transportation is substantial. From methane leaks during extraction and transport to air and water pollution affecting communities along the supply chain, the negative externalities are significant. These communities, often low-income and marginalized, bear the brunt of the environmental and health hazards associated with the LNG industry. Continuing to expand LNG infrastructure locks in these harmful practices and perpetuates environmental injustice. Furthermore, the economic argument for LNG expansion is also weakening. Renewables like wind and solar, coupled with advances in battery storage technology, are becoming increasingly cost-competitive with fossil fuels globally. These clean energy sources offer a more sustainable and economically sound path forward compared to continued reliance on gas.
The authors assert that doubling down on gas infrastructure merely delays the inevitable transition to renewable energy and saddles consumers on both sides of the Atlantic with more expensive and environmentally damaging energy sources. The most prudent and responsible course of action is to invest directly in renewable energy infrastructure. This approach aligns with both economic realities and environmental imperatives. The authors express confidence in President Biden’s ability to resist the influence of the fossil fuel industry and uphold his commitment to climate action. They urge him to seize this final opportunity to solidify his climate legacy by halting the expansion of US LNG exports. This decisive action would demonstrate strong climate leadership and set a positive example for the rest of the world.
With the incoming administration expected to prioritize fossil fuel interests and potentially roll back existing climate protections, President Biden’s actions in his final weeks are crucial. Halting LNG expansion would be a powerful statement against the anticipated shift towards fossil fuels and a reaffirmation of the urgent need for climate action. It would underscore the commitment of the current administration to a sustainable future and challenge the incoming administration to prioritize climate concerns. The authors believe that Biden has the opportunity to leave a lasting positive impact on the fight against climate change by taking this decisive step.
By stopping the expansion of LNG exports, President Biden could cement his legacy as a climate leader, demonstrating a commitment to a sustainable future despite the political headwinds. This action would not only protect vulnerable communities and ecosystems but also signal to the international community the importance of prioritizing clean energy solutions. It would set a powerful precedent for future administrations and reinforce the message that climate action is not merely a political issue but a moral imperative. This bold move would demonstrate that prioritizing the planet’s health and the well-being of future generations is paramount, regardless of political affiliations.
