NW Kentucky News

House Committee on Oversight and Accountability Chairman James Comer, Subcommittee on Economic Growth, Energy Policy, and Regulatory Affairs Chairman Pat Fallon, and Representative Clay Higgins are investigating the Department of Energy's (DOE) ban on new permits for Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) exports to non-Free Trade Agreement countries. The lawmakers have expressed concerns over a lack of transparency from the DOE regarding a study on LNG export impacts.

In a letter addressed to DOE Secretary Jennifer Granholm, they demanded documents and communications related to an analysis of LNG exports and their effects on various sectors including the U.S. economy and national security. They stated that "[r]ecently surfaced information not previously disclosed to the Committee casts significant doubt on whether DOE provided full transparency into the actions leading up to this ban."

The Oversight Committee had earlier requested information from DOE in March 2024 concerning its LNG export ban. A staff-level briefing took place in April 2024, but concerns have emerged about a possible undisclosed draft study from 2023 regarding LNG export impacts. Reports suggest this draft was sent to senior Biden-Harris Administration officials but was not mentioned in communications or hearings before the House Oversight Committee.

Assistant Secretary Brad Crabtree did not refer to any such documents during an April 2024 hearing with the Subcommittee on Economic Growth, Energy Policy, and Regulatory Affairs. In May 2024, Secretary Granholm appeared before the Oversight Committee and stated that “[the updated study] will be complete in the first quarter of next year.”

The lawmakers emphasized that "transparency on this issue is essential" due to its impact on U.S. businesses involved in long-term projects supporting numerous jobs and energy security for allies. They insisted that "the Committee demands that DOE finally provide complete and accurate information related to the Committee’s investigation."