Central Louisiana News

U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy (R-LA) addressed the Senate floor regarding the Biden-Harris administration's freeze on liquefied natural gas (LNG) export permits, which was recently blocked by a ruling from the United States District Court for the Western District of Louisiana.

“The American people understand the importance of energy—it keeps the lights on and puts food on the table. But living in Louisiana, you know the guy at the LNG plant or on the oil rig who produced the energy. He’s your neighbor,” said Dr. Cassidy. “That’s why when the Biden-Harris administration announced its pause on LNG export permits in January, it was clear who they would be putting out of a job.”

Dr. Cassidy emphasized that U.S. LNG is among the cleanest burning fuels globally in terms of life cycle emissions and highlighted its role in reducing U.S. emissions to levels lower than those in 1988 despite economic and population growth.

“Just because we limit the supply of natural gas, the demand won’t go away. That demand will instead turn to other sources of energy,” he continued.

Cassidy criticized what he termed as an attempt by the administration to undermine U.S. LNG production, stating that it deprived allies of "freedom fuel" and negatively impacted American workers.

Following President Biden's announcement to freeze pending applications for LNG export permits, Cassidy led 25 Republican colleagues in condemning this decision, citing its adverse effects on European allies dependent on U.S. LNG after Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

In response, Cassidy introduced several legislative measures including the LNG Security Act and Unlocking Domestic LNG Potential Act aimed at reversing President Biden’s decision and streamlining approval processes for LNG exports through Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC).

Cassidy also co-authored an op-ed with Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) underscoring economic, environmental, and national security concerns related to freezing new LNG export projects.

Cassidy concluded his remarks urging common sense policies that support American energy production and strengthen both domestic and international security interests.