America can’t ignore the national security concerns tied to the LNG freeze

As President Obama’s former National Security Advisor and former Supreme Allied Commander of NATO, I am concerned about the critical national security concerns associated with the administration’s decision to suspend new U.S. liquefied natural gas (LNG) export permits. We must draw attention to the impact on security.

Simply put, the suspension of LNG permits supports President Vladimir Putin and his relentless pursuit of influence over European allies and the transatlantic community. President Putin has long used Europe’s dependence on Russian gas as a weapon of manipulation and blackmail for geopolitical advantage. Instead, he funneled energy revenues to prop up morally bankrupt governments and sow instability around the world, culminating in the brutal invasion of Ukraine and the threat to broader Europe.

Last year’s U.S. LNG export volume was totaled Of the 86 million tonnes, NATO’s main allies the Netherlands, the UK, France, Spain and Germany account for more. half of its volume. With Eastern Europe in the throes of war, restricting America’s vital LNG lifeline downstream would be a stinging blow to its partners, and President Putin, who knows what it means, warmly said, You are welcome.

As Mr. Didier Olow, President of Eurogas put it downthis LNG embargo could “trigger a new period of price volatility in Europe” and could undo all the hard work Europe has put in to date. slash In the past two years alone, Russia’s dependence on gas has increased by two-thirds. Now effectively freed from President Vladimir Putin’s control, a long-term LNG embargo could ultimately make the U.S. ally once again a target for Russian energy.

Don’t get me wrong. The resilience and energy security of our NATO allies directly aligns with U.S. national security interests, especially during these volatile times. This is not to ignore or downplay the importance of a passionate global effort to address the severe challenges posed by climate change.

America’s allies in Asia also have much to lose, based on both security and climate goals. Not only are restrictions on U.S. LNG exports likely to leave Asian buyers, including key allies, reliant on supplies from Russia, but ironically, reducing market volumes could also reduce Asia’s climate goals. It’s going to be dangerous.

Paul Everingham as Chairman of the Asian Natural Gas and Energy Association I have written He told Energy Secretary Granholm that if LNG exports are restricted, “energy security and energy transition will be difficult for the people of Southeast Asia.”

That’s because gas combustion accounts for about half of greenhouse gas emissions, in contrast to coal, which has long supported Asia’s economies. Given that climate policy is a consideration that offsets negative geopolitical impacts, the real-world causality of US actions in this regard must be carefully assessed. What is certain is that if this moratorium remains in place, global criminals will strike at any time.Russia I’m looking forward to it New major LNG export facility scheduled to start operating this year and Iran I expect you to do the same In the next few years.

The stakes are high. The United States cannot afford to underestimate the potential geopolitical consequences of limiting America’s ability to help advance President Putin’s long-term ambitions and promote the energy security and resilience of its allies. There is no way to avoid the negative environmental consequences of an LNG bridge reversal to a low-carbon future and increased dependence on coal as U.S. supplies are replaced by Russian and Iranian LNG.

As the Administration and Congress evaluate this policy, our leaders will consider these factors, the significant geopolitical implications, and what this means for our friends and allies, who are inextricably tied to our nation’s resilience and security. It is necessary to give sufficient consideration to whether

General Jim Jones, founder of Jones Group International, served as the 21st US National Security Advisor during the Obama administration. Jones, a retired four-star general in the U.S. Marine Corps, also served as the 32nd Commander of the U.S. Marine Corps and Supreme Allied Commander of NATO.