(PartiallyPolitics.com) – A group of 22 Republican state legal chiefs has issued a strong warning to President Biden regarding his recent halt on liquefied natural gas (LNG) export ventures, deeming it illegal. Spearheaded by Kris Kobach of Kansas, these attorneys general have sent a detailed letter to both President Biden and Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm. They argue that the administration’s move breaches various federal laws and have strongly recommended a reversal of this decision. They believe that the suspension of LNG exports not only compromises national security but also adversely affects the economy.
In their communication, the attorneys general criticized the administration’s approach as being influenced by environmental extremism, potentially inspired by social media platforms like TikTok, rather than grounded in practical energy solutions. They emphasized that this abrupt halt is not only unauthorized but also economically and strategically detrimental, potentially empowering adversaries like Iran and Russia and undermining the United States’ defensive capabilities.
Despite the administration’s environmental review intentions, which aim to assess the carbon footprint of these projects and could extend over a year, the attorneys argue that this decision lacks a legal foundation. They point out that the Department of Energy (DOE) has not clearly stated its legal authority for such a suspension, suggesting that it contradicts Congress’s directives and could lead to legal challenges under the Administrative Procedure Act for causing ‘unreasonable delay.’
They further argue that LNG export facilities already undergo a thorough environmental scrutiny by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) before reaching the DOE’s desk, indicating that the moratorium exceeds rational decision-making boundaries and neglects the statutory requirement for public consultation.
Echoing sentiments from the energy sector and some political circles, the attorneys general stress that this moratorium weakens the U.S.’s national security posture, empowers rival nations, and jeopardizes the economic benefits and job opportunities tied to LNG exports. They underscore the strategic importance of these exports, especially in light of recent geopolitical tensions and their role in bolstering the energy independence of U.S. allies.
The letter concludes with a plea for the administration to reconsider its stance, highlighting the grave implications for national security and the potential human cost of such policy decisions. They urge a shift away from decisions influenced by fleeting social media trends towards serious, thoughtful policy-making that considers the broader economic and strategic landscape.
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