Columbia Standard

Washington, Jan 26 2024 - U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) has criticized the Biden administration for giving in to special interests and pushing a radical climate agenda that will ultimately burden American taxpayers. Senator Scott, along with Senator Bill Cassidy and 24 other Republican colleagues, sent a letter to President Biden and Department of Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm expressing their opposition to the administration's pause on all pending non-FTA export permit applications.

The senators specifically highlighted their concerns regarding the impending executive order that will re-evaluate the criteria for approving permits for liquified natural gas (LNG) export projects. They argue that this decision will have devastating consequences for the U.S. economy and national security. In the letter, the senators emphasized the importance of U.S. LNG exports in providing energy to countries in Europe and across the globe.

"Nearly half of U.S. LNG exports have been delivered to Europe to date, with a significant increase in exports following Russia's invasion of Ukraine," wrote the senators. "Without U.S. LNG exports, European leaders would have to decide between depriving their own citizens of energy or actively funding Russia's war on Ukraine."

The senators also debunked the notion that limiting American LNG exports would have any impact on the world's demand for natural gas. Instead, they argued that countries like Russia and Iran would simply increase their own energy production, which is subject to less stringent environmental regulations. This, in turn, could contribute to higher global emissions.

"Limiting American LNG exports in the name of stopping climate change could do just the opposite and add to global emissions," concluded the senators. They urged President Biden and Secretary Granholm to reconsider their decision and instead support American LNG exports for the sake of environmental, economic, and national security benefits.

The letter was signed by Senators Scott, Cassidy, and a group of their Republican colleagues including John Barrasso, Ted Cruz, Marco Rubio, and Lindsey Graham, among others. The senators emphasized their commitment to championing American LNG exports and protecting the interests of the United States and its allies.

Senator Scott has been a vocal critic of the Biden administration's environmental agenda and executive overreach. He has consistently advocated for policies that prioritize American interests and economic growth while ensuring environmental sustainability.

The Biden administration's decision to pause non-FTA export permit applications has drawn strong opposition from Senator Scott and his Republican colleagues. They argue that this move will not only harm the U.S. economy but also undermine national security and global efforts to combat climate change.

As the debate over LNG exports continues, it remains to be seen how the Biden administration will respond to the concerns raised by Senator Scott and his colleagues. The outcome of this issue will have far-reaching implications for the future of America's energy industry and its role in the global energy landscape.