· 2 min read
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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