EU lawmakers to Biden: we don’t need more US natural gas

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🗞️ Driving the news: Sixty European Parliament members have expressed concern in a letter to President Biden, cautioning against the use of Europe as a pretext for expanding U.S. liquified natural gas (LNG) exports
• This follows reports that the Biden administration may pause new gas export terminals to assess their national interest, amid debates on the environmental impact and necessity of such exports

🔭 The context: The debate centers around the construction of new LNG terminals in the U.S., which critics argue could exacerbate climate change and harm U.S. communities
• Proponents, like the American Petroleum Institute, claim these exports are crucial for national security and supporting allies, especially in light of Russia's aggression against Ukraine

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: The expansion of LNG infrastructure could lock-in long-term reliance on fossil fuels, undermining efforts to transition to a low-carbon economy
• With European gas needs declining and existing infrastructure underused, further expansion could exacerbate climate risks without addressing actual energy needs

⏭️ What's next: The European Parliament's stance and the U.S. administration's decision on LNG export terminals could significantly influence global gas markets and the trajectory of climate change mitigation efforts
• This issue highlights the complex balance between energy security, market dynamics, and environmental sustainability

💬 One quote: "Europe’s current consumption of fossil gas is already being met under current import levels and with existing infrastructure," (the European members)

📈 One stat: In 2022, nearly 7 trillion cubic feet of U.S. gas was exported, comprising about 20% of total production

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