OPINION:
Ever since Kamala Harris succeeded President Biden as the 2024 Democratic nominee, many have asked what policies the vice president would pursue if she won the White House.
While the policy framework of her predecessor has generally set the contours of her candidacy, some key areas of divergence and unanswered questions remain. Despite Ms. Harris’ apparent pivot on a fracking ban, for example, her views on other energy issues remain unknown. This is of particular concern regarding liquefied natural gas exports, which have significant implications for our energy economy and national security.
During her tenure as vice president, the Biden administration has paused new LNG export projects indefinitely. The decision, which was reached this past January and was likely at the behest of climate activists who had the president’s ear, is a betrayal to workers in states such as Pennsylvania, Ohio and Michigan. A new Morning Consult poll finds that 4 in 5 independents (82%) in Pennsylvania are interested in learning more about the candidates’ positions on energy policy.
What is unclear is whether Ms. Harris would continue this pause indefinitely as president or reverse course in a departure from the current administration’s position. Either way, Americans and our allies overseas deserve a clear answer on this key issue, especially given that U.S. LNG producers have been critical in supplying much-needed energy to Ukraine and Europe more broadly as Russia uses access to natural gas as a tool to support its military aggression and increase its diplomatic leverage.
Before Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, the European Union relied on Russia for 40% of its natural gas. Just two years later and in response to Russia’s indefinite operational suspension of the Nord Stream pipeline, the U.S. has come forward as Europe’s primary LNG supplier as the continent seeks alternative suppliers of energy.
But uncertainty remains. Despite Federal Energy Regulatory Commission approval of a new LNG export terminal known as Calcasieu Pass 2 that is capable of exporting 20 million metric tons per year of this vital resource, the White House continues to fight such projects.
In July, a federal judge in Louisiana issued a stay and ended the Department of Energy’s hold on LNG export terminal projects. The Biden administration appealed the decision.
Where are our partners and allies in Europe to turn without more LNG exports from the U.S.? In many cases, they will be forced into the arms of more unreliable partners such as Qatar and, of course, Russia.
As Eurogas President Didier Holleaux explains, U.S. LNG exports have “been a relief for Europe,” adding that these exports are “important for energy security globally, including in Asia, and especially for U.S. allies.” Mr. Holleaux also notes that a continued pause on new LNG export projects could “spark a new period of price volatility in Europe.”
This sentiment is shared by members of both parties in the United States. Retired Gen. Jim Jones, former President Barack Obama’s former national security adviser, has warned that “America can’t afford to underestimate the boost to Putin’s long-term ambitions and the potential geopolitical impacts of limiting the United States’ ability to help promote the energy security and resilience of our allies.”
A dozen House Democrats, meanwhile, recently wrote to Mr. Biden urging the Department of Energy to ”prioritize and expedite” projects that will send liquefied natural gas to Ukraine and other Eastern European allies. The letter, led by Rep. Marcy Kaptur of Ohio, warns that any delays in providing more LNG to Ukraine and our Eastern European allies could jeopardize European energy security and market stability.
On the other side of the aisle, more than 150 House Republicans have called for a reversal of the moratorium on LNG export projects. In their letter to the White House, they highlighted expert analysis that found “LNG exports could add as much as $73 billion to the U.S. economy by 2040, create upwards of 453,000 American jobs and increase U.S. purchasing power by $30 billion.”
Former President Donald Trump, the 2024 Republican nominee, has also committed to reversing the LNG export ban.
Instead of focusing on the significant benefits LNG projects could bring home and abroad, the Biden administration continues to pander to a specific group of people who are unrepresentative of the country. This is detrimental to our economic growth and national security.
Fulfilling America’s long-term promise to supply the EU with reliable and affordable natural gas will support our allies overseas, weaken Russia’s hold over Europe geopolitically and bolster our national security.
It is time that Mr. Biden, Ms. Harris and our regulators understand the long-standing impact this moratorium will have beyond U.S. borders, align themselves with the will of the vast majority of the American public and commit to reversing this damaging LNG pause.
• Sergio de la Pena, a retired Army colonel, is the former deputy assistant secretary of defense for Western Hemisphere affairs.
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