Democrats ask White House for gas permitting procedures

by Rachel Frazin and Zack Budryk - 05/08/23 5:45 PM ET

Energy & Environment

The Big Story

Democrats ask for liquefied natural gas-specific approval process

A coalition of 44 congressional Democrats on Monday asked the Biden administration to create specific procedures for assessing the environmental impacts of new liquefied natural gas (LNG) projects.

Specifically, the members want the White House Council on Environmental Quality to assess the downstream methane emissions of new LNG projects.

The letter was led by Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) and Democratic Reps. Raul Grijalva (Ariz.), Jared Huffman (Calif.) and Nanette Barragán (Calif.).

“Our ability to combat the worst impacts of the climate crisis depends, to a significant degree, on whether the United States approves proposed LNG pipeline and export terminal projects on top of the already-substantial LNG infrastructure,” the members wrote.

“CEQ’s guidance should include examples and best practices for how agencies should conduct meaningful engagement to ensure that relevant agencies conduct proper and adequate analysis of the direct, indirect, and cumulative effects of LNG infrastructure,” they added.

Read more in a full report at TheHill.com.

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