President-elect Donald Trump's transition team is preparing an executive order aimed at lifting the moratorium on natural gas export permits, which was implemented by the Biden administration. This information comes from sources familiar with the matter who have requested anonymity due to the private nature of the discussions.

The proposed action is part of a larger plan concerning U.S. energy policy that Trump intends to implement early in his presidency. The potential executive order could either require the Energy Department to approve pending export permits or direct it to resume reviewing applications, though a final decision has not been made.

These measures are also expected to address Trump's campaign commitments, including increasing drilling on federal lands and waters and rolling back environmental regulations affecting coal- and natural-gas-fired power plants. Reuters reported these plans earlier this week.

A representative for Trump's transition team did not provide comments when approached.

During his campaign, Trump pledged to rescind unused funds from President Biden's climate legislation, increase oil and gas production, reduce energy costs, and declare a national emergency to significantly boost domestic energy supply.

The issuance of new LNG export permits to key Asian markets and other non-free-trade partners has been suspended since January while the Biden administration evaluates the climate, economic, and national security implications of increased U.S. exports. A study detailing their findings may be released as soon as this week.

Biden's moratorium on export approvals has posed challenges for several multibillion-dollar projects by companies such as Venture Global LNG Inc., Energy Transfer LP, and Commonwealth LNG, all of which have pending permits with the Energy Department.

Trump has vowed to end Biden's permitting pause on his "very first day back."