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🗞️ Driving the news: Chevron CEO Mike Wirth criticized the Biden administration's decision to halt new liquefied natural gas (LNG) export licenses, arguing it undermines energy security, raises costs, and increases emissions
• Wirth urged the government to reverse the policy, which he called politically motivated
He made these remarks at the GasTech conference, highlighting the global importance of natural gas

🔭 The context: The Biden administration paused new LNG export licenses in January 2024 to reassess environmental and national security impacts, halting a Gulf Coast terminal construction boom
• A federal judge temporarily lifted the moratorium in July, but the Energy Department is appealing
• Industry leaders claim LNG plays a crucial role in replacing coal and ensuring energy security, especially for European allies

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: Natural gas is seen by some as a cleaner alternative to coal, but environmental groups challenge this, pointing to methane emissions and the energy-intensive process of producing LNG
• The debate reflects broader concerns about balancing fossil fuel use with climate goals

⏭️ What's next: Wirth called for a balanced approach to energy policy, arguing that natural gas remains essential for reducing global emissions and supporting technological advancements like artificial intelligence
• The Energy Department's ongoing appeal will influence future LNG export strategies

💬 One quote: “The administration should stop the attacks on natural gas and embrace the benefits it’s already delivering around the world.” — Mike Wirth, CEO of Chevron

📈 One stat: Switching from coal to natural gas has avoided more emissions than all wind and solar additions in the past 15 years, according to McKinsey data cited by Wirth

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