Former Energy Secretary Rick Perry and U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy have both criticized the energy policies of the Biden administration. Perry called the policies 'ill-thought' and 'pandering', while Cassidy focused on the administration's stance on liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports.
Perry specifically discussed a federal judge's decision to block the administration's ban on LNG exports and other energy-related actions. He argued that these decisions undermine national security, economic stability, and environmental progress. Perry hailed the federal court's ruling as a victory for the U.S. and its allies, particularly in Europe, as the blocked moratorium on LNG exports had hindered critical deals. He emphasized the negative impact the moratorium had on U.S. companies and job creation. Perry also highlighted the environmental benefits of U.S. natural gas exports and accused the administration of pandering to its political base. He raised concerns about the balance between short-term political gains and long-term national interests, particularly in terms of energy security and preparedness. Perry linked the administration's energy policies to broader economic issues and warned of potential inflation driven by high energy costs. He criticized the use of strategic petroleum reserves for short-term political maneuvering and the potential risks of depleting these reserves. Perry's critique underscored the need for a balanced approach that considers environmental, economic, and security concerns in energy policy. [775355eb]
Meanwhile, U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy criticized the Biden-Harris administration's freeze on LNG export permits, stating that it would put American workers out of jobs and force other countries to rely on dirtier energy sources. Cassidy led 25 Republican colleagues in condemning the decision and introduced the LNG Security Act and the Unlocking Domestic LNG Potential Act to reverse the freeze and streamline the approval process. A U.S. District Judge ruled that the LNG pause was without reason or logic. Cassidy emphasized the importance of U.S. LNG production in reducing global emissions and supporting the economy and national security. He called for common sense to return to the White House. [ad6ebb87]
In a related development, U.S. Rep. Jodey Arrington and over 50 members of Congress have demanded the Biden-Harris administration to authorize liquefied natural gas (LNG) export permits. This comes after a federal judge blocked the administration's ban on new permits. Texas joined other states in a lawsuit to stop the Biden administration's pause on applications to export LNG. Judge James Cain of the Western District of Louisiana reversed the Department of Energy's pause on reviewing LNG permits. Arrington and his colleagues are calling on the Department of Energy to swiftly review and approve LNG applications, highlighting the benefits of U.S. LNG exports in supporting American jobs, stabilizing global energy markets, and driving emissions reductions worldwide. They argue that U.S. exports of LNG are vital to European allies facing energy shortages due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Arrington also criticizes President Biden's assault on American oil and gas, accusing him of enriching adversaries like Russia and China. [50809663]