Jefferson Reporter

Washington, D.C. – In a recent announcement, the Biden administration revealed its decision to put a hold on new liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminals. This move comes at a time when the United States emerged as the leading exporter of LNG in 2023. The administration cited the need to assess the impact of these terminals on climate change as the reason for the pause. However, this decision has drawn criticism from Representative Gary Palmer (AL-06), who strongly opposes the Biden administration's energy policies.

In a statement, Rep. Palmer expressed his concerns, stating, "The Biden administration’s energy policies are not only draining people’s income; they are also dangerous to the peoples’ health." He highlighted a report from last year that revealed the devastating consequences of high utility bills on vulnerable individuals. "Just last year, it was reported that 68,000 people died in Europe classified as ‘excess winter deaths’ because they could not afford to keep their homes adequately warmed," said Rep. Palmer. These individuals, often older with respiratory or cardiovascular issues, were unable to afford basic necessities such as food, medicine, and heating. Rep. Palmer believes that freezing the construction of LNG facilities will only exacerbate this problem, making natural gas more expensive and putting more lives at risk both in Europe and the United States.

He further criticized the Biden administration and their Democrat collaborators in Congress, asserting that their approach to climate change is jeopardizing the well-being of Americans and their allies. Rep. Palmer pledged to work alongside his Republican colleagues to reverse these policies and introduce measures that prioritize reliable, affordable, and cleaner energy solutions.

Rep. Palmer also pointed to a recent report produced by the House Republican Policy Committee, which challenges the prevailing narrative of climate alarmism. The report presents several data points that contradict claims of an impending energy crisis and highlight positive environmental trends. For instance, it emphasizes that proved global reserves of energy continue to grow faster than demand, debunking the notion that the world is running out of energy. Additionally, the report reveals that since 1960, total energy production in the US has increased by 140%, surpassing the growth in consumption. Despite this, the average price of a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline has risen significantly.

The report also sheds light on the improvements in air quality over the past four decades. Total emissions of the six principal air pollutants measured by the EPA have decreased by 60% since 1980, leading to cleaner air in the United States. Furthermore, the percentage of AQI readings listed as "unhealthy for sensitive groups" or worse in the nation’s Core-Based Statistical Areas has declined by 91%.

Rep. Palmer challenges the prevailing narrative regarding forest conservation, highlighting that forestland in the lower 48 states has only declined by a mere 1.2% since 2001. At the same time, cultivated crops, wetlands, and shrub/scrub areas have all seen growth.

In conclusion, Representative Gary Palmer strongly opposes the Biden administration's decision to halt the construction of new LNG terminals. He argues that this move will make natural gas more expensive and endanger lives, both in the United States and Europe. Rep. Palmer pledges to work with his Republican colleagues to reverse these policies and promote energy solutions that are reliable, affordable, and cleaner. He also cites a report from the House Republican Policy Committee, which challenges the prevailing climate alarmism narrative and presents evidence of positive environmental trends.