The Biden-Harris administration is facing criticism after House Republicans accused it of hiding an internal study supporting natural gas exports. In January, the Department of Energy (DOE) halted new permits for liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports, claiming the need for more research on its effects. However, House Oversight Committee members allege that the DOE completed such a study in 2023 but concealed it due to findings that didn’t align with the administration’s environmental agenda.
The accusations are detailed in a letter from House Oversight Committee leaders, including Rep. James Comer (R-KY) and Rep. Pat Fallon (R-TX), to Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm. They claim the DOE has blocked access to the study and requested the administration release all documents related to the moratorium.
Government Accountability & Oversight, a watchdog group that initially requested the study, filed a lawsuit against the DOE after repeated delays. Attorney Chris Horner, representing the group, stated that the DOE’s failure to provide documents is a deliberate attempt to mislead. Horner argues the hidden study showed significant economic and environmental advantages to LNG exports, challenging the administration’s policy.
The moratorium has faced strong opposition from both sides of the aisle, with critics saying the policy undermines U.S. energy independence and job creation. The American Petroleum Institute reported that resuming LNG exports could add $73 billion to the economy and produce 453,000 jobs by 2040.