Charleston Leader

Feb 8, 2024

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Ranking Member of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee, expressed her concerns about the Biden administration's decision to halt new liquefied natural gas (LNG) export projects in the United States. Speaking at a press conference with her colleagues, Capito criticized the move, stating that it jeopardizes national security and harms American workers and families.

Capito began by thanking Senator Barrasso for his leadership on energy and natural resources, emphasizing the significance of the LNG progress in the country. She questioned the motive behind the decision, suggesting that it was a political strategy to attract young environmental voters. Capito expressed her doubts about staking national security and international reliability on such a flimsy and unfounded decision.

Highlighting the importance of natural gas development, Capito emphasized that one-third of the natural gas production in the United States comes from the region of West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Ohio. She compared this to Russia, which ranks second, and Iran, which ranks third. Capito argued that the decision to halt LNG export projects would not only impact workers and families but also undermine the country's energy independence and security.

In a strong statement, Capito claimed that Biden's decision favored foreign powers over American interests. She accused the administration of choosing Putin over Pennsylvania, the Ayatollah over Appalachia, and the Kremlin over West Virginia's Kanawha River. Capito concluded by asserting that the decision harms not only the United States but also its allies.

The debate concerning the Biden administration's decision to halt new LNG export projects continues. Critics argue that the move has negative implications for national security, economic growth, and American energy independence. Proponents, on the other hand, believe that it aligns with the administration's commitment to addressing climate change and transitioning to cleaner energy sources.

The impact of this decision will undoubtedly be felt by communities and workers in the natural gas industry. As the debate unfolds, stakeholders on all sides will closely monitor the consequences and implications of halting LNG export projects in the United States.