I published a report today on the scale of potential greenhouse gas emissions from the planned US LNG buildout. A link to the report is here. The data show that US LNG will increasingly compete with planned investments in renewable energy to provide electric power in Europe and Asia. If all planned LNG projects are approved, GHG emissions from US-sourced LNG would be greater than the all emissions from the European Union. In a Foreword, Bill McKibben writes: "Luckily, Biden administration can halt that expansion in its tracks, by taking a good long look at the criteria the Department of Energy uses to grant export licenses."

Key findings:

Finding 1: US LNG exports have doubled since 2019
Finding 2: Projects under construction will double US LNG export capacity over 2023 levels by 2027
Finding 3: The US is surpassing its LNG commitments to Europe and current US LNG exports are sufficient to meet Europe’s LNG needs
Finding 4: Companies are seeking approval for new LNG projects that would quadruple US LNG export capacity compared to current (2023) levels
Finding 5: US LNG expansion will compete with renewable energy – not coal and gas – around the world
Finding 6: If all projects are approved, GHG emissions from DOE-authorized LNG exports would be 3.9 gigatons annually; US-sourced LNG emissions would be larger than the GHG emissions from the European Union, whether using a gross or net accounting approach
Finding 7: If all projects currently in the permitting pipeline are approved, GHG emissions from US-approved LNG exports would be greater than one thousand coal-fired power plants
Finding 8: If all projects currently in the permitting pipeline are approved, GHG emissions from U.S.-approved LNG exports would be equivalent to 850 million gasoline-powered vehicles

Jeremy Symons

(202) 306-7902

Jeremy Symons

(202) 306-7902