Federal judge halts Biden administration’s freeze on LNG export permits – Houston Public Media

A federal court in Louisiana has put the Biden administration on hold over new liquefied natural gas export permits. U.S. District Judge James Cain Jr. ruled in favor of Texas, Louisiana and 14 other states challenging the freeze on LNG export permits. The states argued that the freeze, which specifically targets LNG exports to countries with which the U.S. does not have free trade agreements, is unconstitutional.

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton issued a statement hailing the decision as a victory. “This ruling means that Biden’s illegal ban does not prevent Texas natural gas from reaching market while the lawsuit is ongoing,” Paxton said. “While I continue to fight for Texans against the Biden administration, producers can put their natural gas on the market instead of burning it. This will protect Texas jobs and keep our vital energy industry running.”

The move is a setback for the White House’s efforts to combat climate change. The Biden administration ordered the freeze in January to give the Energy Department time to assess the potential effects of LNG exports on overall greenhouse gas emissions.

Republican Rep. Randy Weber represents about a third of the Texas Gulf Coast, including much of the region’s LNG production. “People here on the Gulf Coast start to get concerned when the president starts — I would say aping — energy permitting. Leave it alone. Let free enterprise run its course,” Weber said.

Judge Cain issued his ruling less than two weeks after hearing arguments in the case.

“I’m glad they did it quickly,” Weber said. “I’m sure the Biden administration will appeal it. If it goes to the 5th^t I just hope the Court of Appeal issues a ruling within 10 or 12 days.”

Neither the White House nor the Energy Department immediately responded to requests for comment.

David Bookbinder, director of law and policy at the Environmental Integrity Project, also expects the U.S. 5^t The district court will uphold a lower court’s ruling, taking into account last week’s Supreme Court ruling undermining the regulatory authority of federal agencies.

“We already have an appellate court that is notoriously conservative,” Bookbinder said. “They don’t like environmental protections, and I think they’ll jump at the chance to rein in DOE’s power, and they’ll probably support this judge.”