Federal court blocks Biden’s pause on approving gas export projects

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

🗞️ Driving the news: A federal court has blocked the Biden administration's pause on approving new liquefied natural gas (LNG) export facilities, marking another setback for the president's climate agenda
• The decision by U.S. District Judge James D. Cain Jr., appointed by Donald Trump, favored Louisiana and 15 other Republican-led states challenging the pause

🔭 The context: The Biden administration's pause aimed to assess the climate, economic, and national security impacts of new LNG projects
• This move follows recent Supreme Court rulings that limit federal agencies' power to tackle climate change and environmental issues

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: The ruling could lead to increased LNG project approvals, potentially escalating pollution in already vulnerable communities along the Gulf Coast
• Environmentalists fear this will exacerbate environmental injustices and hinder progress on climate action

⏭️ What's next: The Energy Department must resume processing LNG permit applications but is evaluating its next steps following the court order
• The impact of this ruling on future LNG projects and environmental regulations remains uncertain

💬 One quote: "There is roughly $61 billion dollars of pending infrastructure at risk to our state from this illegal pause," said Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill

📈 One stat: U.S. LNG exports have doubled over the past four years and are expected to double again in the next four years with current projects

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