Biden Administration Freezes LNG Export Approvals

Highlights

• The Biden Administration on Jan. 26, 2024, announced that the U.S. would pause pending decisions on permits to export liquefied natural gas (LNG) to non-free trade agreement countries until the U.S. Department of Energy can update the underlying analyses for authorizations.
• It should be noted that the decision does not represent a ban on LNG exports, but rather an opportunity to review current projects seeking approval.
• The decision to freeze authorizations has received stiff criticism from international business interests, as well as members of Congress.

President Joe Biden on Jan. 26, 2024, announced a pause on pending decisions for permits to export liquified natural gas (LNG) to non-free trade agreement countries until the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) can update the underlying analyses for authorizations.¹ In announcing the decision, Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm stated that "we must review export applications using the