NW Kentucky News

The Subcommittee on Economic Growth, Energy Policy, and Regulatory Affairs recently conducted a hearing titled "Exposing the Truth on LNG: How the Administration Played Politics with America’s Energy Future." The discussion centered around the Biden-Harris Administration's decision to effectively ban liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports, which members argue has negatively impacted the U.S. energy sector and employment opportunities.

During the session, concerns were raised about the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) transparency regarding its pause on new LNG export permits to non-Free Trade Agreement countries. The DOE has yet to provide requested documents to the Committee investigating this decision.

Assistant Secretary of Energy for Fossil Energy and Carbon Management, Brad Crabtree, did not commit to supplying these documents despite being pressed by Committee investigators. Critics within the Oversight Committee claim that this ban aligns with broader efforts by what they describe as "the radical left" to implement their Green New Deal agenda at an economic cost.

Chairman Pat Fallon expressed his concern over President Biden's awareness of the policy's impact. He stated: “It’s chilling that the President didn’t even know, and wasn’t seemingly aware, of the impact of this pause."

Further questioning from Rep. Russell Fry highlighted disagreements over whether economic disruptions have resulted from this policy. Fry questioned how DOE justified these disruptions in light of potential benefits from LNG exports.

Rep. Scott Perry challenged Mr. Crabtree on international support for the ban, seeking clarification on public backing or opposition.

Lastly, Rep. Clay Higgins demanded that DOE halt its delays in document production related to their investigation into these policies.