McClellan Applauds Biden-Harris Administration Pause on New Approvals of Liquified Natural Gas Exports

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan (VA-04) applauded the Biden-Harris Administration’s announcement of a temporary pause on pending approvals for exports of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) until the Department of Energy (DOE) can update the underlying analyses for authorizations.

The public interest determination criteria used for LNG export authorizations is outdated and does not accurately account for the latest science or include robust input from the frontline communities that disproportionately shoulder the burden of pollution from new LNG export facilities across the country. 

In November 2023, Rep. McClellan led her colleagues in a bicameral letter to DOE, calling on the agency to update how it determines whether new licenses for LNG exports are in the public interest. In this letter, the Members highlight that DOE has never rejected an LNG export application on the basis of negative impacts to the American people and urge meaningful consideration to the costs to the climate and costs borne by consumers when reviewing new export licenses.

“The Biden-Harris Administration’s announcement of a temporary pause on pending approvals for LNG exports is historic, and follows our congressional letter and incredible yearslong efforts by communities across the country,” said Congresswoman McClellan. “We must continue our efforts to comprehensively address climate change and ensure America is a leader in the clean energy future. I look forward to continuing to work with the Administration and my congressional colleagues to protect our planet and ensure that the perspectives of impacted communities are meaningfully considered in all decisions.”

In Congress, Rep. McClellan continues the work she began in the General Assembly to ensure a sustainable future for the next generation. In the General Assembly, she led the passage of the Virginia Clean Economy Act, which created 13,000 clean energy jobs each year and made Virginia the first state in the South to set a 100% Clean Energy Standard.