Nick Piatek IPANM Northwest Vice President | Independent Petrolium Association of New Mexico
Central Texas News reported on an incident involving the Department of Energy under the administration of former President Biden. It was discovered that a study conducted in September 2023 about liquefied natural gas (LNG) was not disclosed by the department. The study reportedly found that increased LNG exports minimally impacted domestic natural gas prices and could reduce global greenhouse gas emissions.
The Center for LNG supports this view, noting that the switch to natural gas for electricity generation has significantly contributed to reducing emissions in the U.S. since 2005. This reduction extends abroad, as U.S. LNG is said to emit nearly 50% less than coal in Europe and Asia, and even produces lower emissions compared to Russian natural gas.
Despite these findings, the report was purportedly withheld because it conflicted with the Biden administration’s decision to limit LNG export license approvals. This version of environmental strategy was reportedly at odds with broader discourses painting fossil fuels as detrimental. In December 2024, a subsequent DOE report omitting the beneficial LNG study findings emerged. At that time, Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm noted the report suggested all scenarios of increased LNG exports would raise global emissions, excluding the omitted analysis.
Upon taking office, the administration led by President Trump reversed the previous pause on LNG export approvals. In the early months of 2025, Energy Secretary Chris Wright approved five LNG projects. At CERAWeek 2025, Wright criticized prior policies as narrowly focused on climate change, to the detriment of energy and economic considerations. He emphasized the ongoing growth of natural gas as a significant energy source, both domestically and globally.
According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, the U.S. LNG export capacity is projected to increase from 11.5 billion cubic feet per day in 2023 to 24.4 by 2028. Energy author Robert Bryce noted that this growth could position U.S. capacity to rival the gas production of both Iran and China.
The resurgence in U.S. natural gas production began in 2005, credited to technological advancements like hydraulic fracturing, which has more than doubled output since. These advances positioned the U.S. as a leader in natural gas production.
The Empowerment Alliance (TEA), a 501(c)(4) organization advocating for U.S. energy independence, supported the recent policy changes and emphasized the need for continued focus on innovation and investment in energy resources.
