This post is based from Rachel Frazin’s article in “The Hill” on 07/01/24. 

A federal court has blocked the Biden administration’s attempt to pause new gas export approvals, securing the propane supply in the United States. 

Republic-led states requested to lift the pause. Judge James Cain, a Trump appointee in Louisiana, approved the request while the opposing litigation remains unresolved. 

With climate change in mind, the Biden administration paused approvals for new LNG export facilities in January, which inhibited companies from shipping natural gas abroad to countries without free trade access to the United States. 

In opposition to the Biden administration’s pause, Judge Cain wrote:

“The Court is convinced that the Export Ban will and is irreparably harming the Plaintiff States. Plaintiff States have submitted evidence of harm specifically to Louisiana, Texas, and West Virginia in the loss of revenues, market share, and deprivation of a procedural right.” 

Louisiana, a top state in the natural gas industry, unwaveringly relies on these exports. Propane alone provides jobs, fuels our agriculture, powers our generators and much more. 

80% of propane is now produced in the extraction and refining of natural gas. Having LNG markets helps ensure ample propane supplies and allows propane dealers across Louisiana to fuel their communities. 

Cain’s approval to lift the pause comes shortly after CP2, a high-profile gas export facility, was approved by FERC. CP2 still awaits the Biden administration’s approval.