Energy & Environment — Biden pauses new natural gas export projects

Presented by Ceres — The administration wants to update its review process

View Online Energy & Environment Energy & Environment   PRESENTED BY  The Big Story  Biden halts approval for LNG export projects The Biden administration announced that it will halt new approvals for certain projects that would export natural gas as it seeks to conduct more thorough reviews.  © AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti The administration said it will pause the review process — currently affecting four projects whose evaluations are underway — so that it can update how it analyzes natural gas export projects.    "During this period, we will take a hard look at the impacts of LNG exports on energy costs, America's energy security, and our environment," President Biden said in a statement.    He also invoked climate change, saying that the pause "sees the climate crisis for what it is: the existential threat of our time."   The pause only applies to new export projects that would ship gas to countries with which the U.S. does not have a free trade agreement.   It is not expected to impact existing exports or projects that are currently under construction.   It's not totally clear how long the pause will last. Officials said that updating the analyses will take at a few months and be followed by a comment period before the update is finalized.    A controversial pending project, known as CP2, is not expected to immediately be affected as its approval is not yet before the Biden administration, the official said. It would first need to be approved by the independent Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.   Read more at TheHill.com. Welcome to The Hill's Energy & Environment newsletter, we're Rachel Frazin and Zack Budryk — keeping you up to speed on the policies impacting everything from oil and gas to new supply chains. Did someone forward you this newsletter? Subscribe here. Essential Reads  How policy will affect the energy and environment sectors now and in the future: White House official cites young, climate-focused voters as key Biden constituency after LNG announcement White House climate adviser Ali Zaidi outlined the scientific rationale behind the Biden administration's pause on some liquefied natural gas (LNG) export approvals, but he acknowledged young and climate-focused voters as a key constituency when asked whether they influenced the decision to implement the pause.   Full Story Ex-coal CEO who called himself 'Trumpier than Trump' launches Democratic Senate bid in West Virginia A former CEO of a coal company who once said he is "Trumpier than Trump" has launched a bid for Senate as a Democrat in West Virginia.  Full Story Manchin promises to investigate Biden natural gas export freeze Senate Energy Committee Chair Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), one of the Biden administration's most vocal intraparty critics on energy issues, vowed an investigation into the newly announced pause on liquefied natural gas (LNG) export approvals.  Full Story California utility PG&E agrees to $45M settlement for 2021 Dixie Fire Pacific Gas and Electric Co. (PG&E) will pay $45 million for its involvement in California's second largest-ever wildfire, state regulators announced Thursday.  Full Story In Other News  Branch out with a different read from The Hill: Senators call for reform as National Flood Insurance Program faces lapse Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) led calls to reform the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) during a hearing Thursday, accusing the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) of lying to homeowners about their insurance rates. Full Story A MESSAGE FROM CERES On Our Radar  Upcoming news themes and events we're watching: Tuesday The House Natural Resources Committee will hold a hearing titled "Examining the Opportunities and Challenges of Land Consolidation in Indian Country." Wednesday The Senate Environment & Public Works Committee will hold a hearing on avoiding, detecting, and capturing methane emissions from landfills. The House Natural Resources Committee's Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources will hold a hearing on four pieces of pending legislation. The House Natural Resources Committee's Subcommittee on Federal Lands will hold a hearing on five pieces of pending legislation. What We're Reading  News we've flagged from other outlets touching on energy issues, the environment and other topics: The world successfully tackled a dangerous pollutant. But did it accidentally warm the planet in the process?  (CNN)   Lawsuit could block massive lithium project near Salton Sea (The Palm Springs Desert Sun) How a new law could block Kerry's replacement (E&E News)   What Others are Reading  Two key stories on The Hill right now: Jury orders Trump to pay $83.3 million for defaming E. Jean Carroll NEW YORK — A federal jury ordered former President Trump to pay $83.3 million for defaming E. Jean Carroll when Trump in 2019 denied the longtime advice columnist's accusation that he sexually assaulted her decades earlier. Read more Trump says he'll appeal 'ridiculous' E. Jean Carroll defamation ruling Former President Trump said Friday he plans to appeal after a jury ordered him to pay $83.3 million for defaming writer E. Jean Carroll, who had alleged he sexually assaulted her decades ago. Read more Opinions in The Hill  Op-eds related to energy & environment submitted to The Hill: By attacking Biden on climate, the far left risks true disaster with a Trump win    You're all caught up. See you Monday!  Check out The Hill's Energy & Environment page for the latest coverage. Like this newsletter? Take a moment to view our other topical products here 📩 Privacy Policy  |  Manage Subscriptions  |  Unsubscribe  1625 K Street NW, 9th Floor, Washington, DC 20006 Copyright © 1998 - 2024 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved.

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