States led by Louisiana and Texas are asking the Department of Energy to reverse the moratorium announced in January. They argue that the administration’s decision overrode Congress’ authority.
“This ban ignores statutory obligations, ignores normal regulatory processes, disrupts industry, disrupts plaintiffs’ economies, and destroys the constitutional fabric of our nation.” The suit says:. “These illegal acts leave plaintiffs no choice but to once again turn to the courts to enforce the law.”
The complaint alleges that the decision was made at the whim of “activists” and motivated by politics, saying, “In the midst of an election year, billionaire conglomerates, celebrities, ‘influencers,’ and banks… ”
The Biden administration opted for a moratorium on LNG in January after pressure from environmentalists, pledging to review the country’s investments in the fuel source. While proponents praise LNG as a cleaner alternative to coal, others say the risk of pipeline leaks poses another risk to the energy source.
This fuel source has long been seen as a bridge between coal and renewable energy, and LNG promotion was first promoted by then-President Obama. President Biden’s permit ban marked a sharp change from his predecessor.
Find out more about our colleague Nick Robertson here. zahir.com.
