Under President Biden, the Department of Energy (DOE) paused new liquefied natural gas (LNG) export permits to evaluate their economic, climate, and national-security impacts. The resulting DOE report challenges the benefits of LNG exports and could arm environmental advocates for future legal battles against expansion.

The report warns that increased LNG exports could raise U.S. gas prices by over 30%, generate up to 1.5 gigatons of greenhouse gas emissions annually by 2050, and undermine global climate goals. Even with aggressive carbon-capture technologies, emissions would still rise. Biden officials also argued that the initial justification for LNG exports—Europe’s energy security during the Russian war with Ukraine—has waned, with much of the exported gas now projected to benefit China, the world’s largest LNG importer. The findings mark a significant shift in tone for a Democratic administration. While past leaders like Barack Obama promoted natural gas as a cleaner alternative to coal, the DOE now explicitly rejects the notion that LNG is a bridge to a sustainable energy future. Instead, it frames expanded exports as benefiting a narrow set of interests—export facility owners—while exacerbating climate risks and harming domestic consumers.

The pause on LNG permits and the DOE’s critical analysis represents a tentative victory for activists who oppose LNG terminals, citing environmental destruction and their contribution to global warming. However, the pause is temporary, and with Donald Trump pledging to lift it immediately upon taking office, the future of U.S. LNG policy remains uncertain. Proponents argue that LNG exports bolster the economy and create mainly temporary jobs tied to terminal construction. Ultimately, the DOE’s report positions the Biden administration closer to critics who see LNG as a threat to public interest and environmental health. While the report alone cannot block new terminals, it provides opponents with evidence to contest future projects. With Republicans poised to take control, the stage is set for a contentious battle over the U.S.'s role as the world’s largest LNG exporter.