Landry calls on Biden to recognize natural gas as a 'clean energy'

(The Center Square) — In June, Gov. Jeff Landry hosted several Republican governors to express their concern over the impact of the Biden administration's energy policies on American households, calling for an "all-of-the-above" approach to energy production in a letter to Biden.

Now, Landry has issued an executive order declaring natural gas to be clean energy and requesting that the Biden administration lift all rules and regulations limiting the export of natural gas.

Landry's order cites the plethora of regulations that the Biden administration has implemented in the name of climate change.

"Natural gas produced in Louisiana is affordable, clean, and reliable," Landry said on X. "This great energy source is a critical component to our 'all of the above' approach necessary for American energy independence!"

Since taking office, President Biden has implemented several policies that limit natural gas production and exports, which critics argue have increased reliance on foreign energy sources and raised energy costs.

Early in his presidency, Biden canceled the Keystone XL Pipeline, halted oil and gas leases on federal lands, and paused approvals for future liquified natural gas export terminals, citing climate change concerns.

As previously reported by The Center Square, a report from the International Gas Union, global liquified natural gas trade hit a new record in 2023. This growth was largely influenced by the return of Freeport LNG in the U.S. to full production and the ramping up of production at Calcasieu Pass, also in the U.S., the report said.

According to the U.S Energy Information Administration, the launch of the Calcasieu Pass LNG export facility helped to counterbalance the drop in exports from Freeport LNG after a fire shut down the export facility. Since June 2022, Calcasieu Pass has maintained an average export rate of 1.2 billion cubic feet per day.

Electricity prices have increased by approximately 30.88% from the start of 2021 to the latest available data in 2024, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

In the letter to the president, the governors criticize the administration for limiting domestic energy production by reducing federal land leases for drilling, canceling projects like the Keystone XL pipeline, and freezing new LNG export projects.

"The inefficient and often unworkable mandates your administration continues to push are hitting Americans where it hurts the most – their pocketbooks," the governors wrote. "According to recent reports, your most recent rules and regulations in the energy space are part of a larger unchecked rulemaking effort that is projected to cost American taxpayers $1.37 trillion."

They pleaded with Biden to remove restrictions on energy production, increase leasing opportunities, expedite federal drilling permits, lift the LNG export pause, and roll back EPA regulations that hinder traditional energy sectors. Additionally, they urge for reforms that support all forms of energy and encourage innovation over regulation.

Landry's proclamation yesterday makes note that the natural gas boom has contributed to a 66% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.