Chevron CEO attacks Biden's LNG export pause on costs, emissions

illuminem summarizes for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on Financial Post or enjoy below:

🗞️ 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

Click for more news covering the latest on oil & gas