Golden votes to reverse Biden’s pause on natural gas exports

WASHINGTON — Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) voted today to pass H.R. 7176, the Unlocking our Domestic LNG Potential Act of 2024, which would remove a president’s ability to unilaterally stop liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports.

“Energy security is national security,” Golden said. “It’s dangerous when the rest of the world has to rely on adversaries like Russia to stay warm, and American LNG has become the main alternative. Cutting off that supply will worsen global instability, threaten high-paying union jobs in the U.S., and promote dirtier foreign fuels in the market. It’s in all of our interests that America maintains its energy leadership.”

On January 26, President Biden announced a pause on approvals for U.S. LNG exports, pending a future study on market and climate needs. Golden was one of seven Democrats to pen a bipartisan letter denouncing the decision, and calling on the administration to instead increase LNG export licenses.

The U.S. natural gas industry supports more than 10 million American jobs, and in 2021, produced 6.4% of all domestic labor income. The U.S. produces LNG 30% cleaner than Russia, and is the only country to lead Russia in both production and exportation. 

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