Deny Gas Export Permits Now to Protect Creation and Communities, December 2024

Take Action

Six permit applications are before President Biden to export liquefied natural gas (LNG) from terminals that would ship millions of tons of gas each year to foreign markets. LNG is primarily methane, a greenhouse gas that is accelerating climate change. Tell President Biden and Energy Secretary Granholm to reject these applications before the incoming administration, which plans to increase the production and use of fossil fuel, takes office.

Background

LNG is natural gas obtained from fracking and then reduced to a liquid state. LNG typically contains 85%-95% methane. As a greenhouse gas, methane is 80 times more potent at warming than carbon dioxide in the first 20 years after it is emitted.  In every step of the LNG life cycle – from extraction and processing to storage and transportation – leaks and slips occur and methane is emitted into our atmosphere.

In recent years, the US has increased its natural gas extraction to the extent where production now far exceeds domestic demand for gas. That has spurred the industry to build LNG export terminals to facilitate shipping the fossil fuel overseas. US exports of LNG grew a staggering 450 percent between 2017 and 2022. 

LNG raises environmental justice concerns, too. LNG export terminals, are disproportionately sited in low-income neighborhoods and in communities of color whose health, safety, and well-being are threatened by methane leaks. This is especially true along the Gulf Coast in Louisiana and Texas, where most existing and proposed LNG projects are located.

Why Now?

Developers of LNG projects need two approvals to proceed - a permit from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) for terminal construction and another permit from the Department of Energy (DOE) to export the gas. This Action Alert focuses on six projects that are waiting for the DOE to grant approval to export. There are already over two dozen existing or approved export terminals. President Biden and Energy Secretary Granholm should deny these six export permits as a significant step toward curbing further methane use, pollution, and climate effects.

This issue is especially urgent to address before officials take leave for December holidays and the Biden administration ends in January. If the Biden administration leaves these permits unresolved they are likely to be approved by the incoming administration, which has a publicly-stated agenda to boost fossil fuel production. Alternatively, if the Biden administration takes action and denies the permits, it will be difficult and time-consuming for the new administration to reverse course and approve the permits.

The six projects that are the focus of this action are: CP2 LNG, Commonwealth LNG, Magnolia LNG, Lake Charles LNG, Saguaro LNG phase 2, and Port Arthur LNG phase 2.

Jewish Perspectives

The Shulchan Arukh, a 16th century code of Jewish law, encourages the beautification of the mitzvot (commandments) including the celebration of God’s creation. But beautification is not enough, we are also commanded to prevent damage to creation that threatens our neighbors.  “Do not destroy,” the oft quoted commandment to prohibit pollution, also includes the wanton destruction of “ownerless property” of air, sea and land and counts four particular nuisances as especially liable to legal action: Smoke, sewage odors, dust and similar aerosols, and vibrations.  Anyone who has traveled Louisiana’s Cancer Alley, New Jersey’s Ironbound neighborhood or California’s Refinery Corridor through Oakland, understands the blight of fossil fuel processing plants is doing much more than ruining the view. Those who are benefitting from polluting the air and water that are “ownerless property” are destroying the health and living spaces of our neighbors who are least able to escape.

Learn more

Methane emissions are driving climate change. Here’s how to reduce them, UN Environment Programme

Liquefied Natural Gas 101, Natural Resources Defense Council

Liquefying the Gulf Coast, Bullard Center for Environmental & Climate Justice, Texas Southern

Letter from Members of Congress and International Leaders

LNG, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC)

Sample Message

Dear President Biden and Energy Secretary Granholm:

There is no legitimate reason for authorizing export of more liquefied natural gas (LNG).   Pumping and transporting more unneeded gas will worsen climate change and destroy communities.

I am concerned about climate change because….insert your personal story here

Jewish tradition holds that we are responsible for protecting God’s creation (Earth, our common home) and specifically for protecting our neighbors from pollution of air, land and sea. 

I urge you to immediately deny the pending LNG export terminal applications that are before you for your approval.

How to Contact President Biden and Energy Secretary Granholm

President Joe Biden: https://www.whitehouse.gov/contact/  and Phone: (202) 456-1111

Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm: The.Secretary@hq.doe.gov and Phone: (202)586-5000

You can also contact your Members of Congress to ask them to urge action by President Biden.

Use the message above to contact President Biden, Energy Secretary Granholm