House GOP asks Granholm for 'transparency' on LNG export study purportedly undisclosed to Congress

House Republicans are raising concerns about Energy Department perhaps not revealing a study on the impacts of liquified natural gas exports when communicating with Congress on the issue. 

Reps. James Comer, Kentucky; Pat Fallon, Texas; Clay Higgins, Louisiana, wrote a letter Wednesday to Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm asking for greater transparency on the actions leading up to the decision to, as the letter states, enact a “de factor ban” export permits for LNG to non-free trade countries. 

The letter claims that “recently surfaced information” suggests that a 2023 draft of a study on the impacts of LNG exports was sent to senior Biden-Harris administration officials. The DOE, however, has not mentioned or provided this draft study in communications with or hearings before the House Oversight Committee. 

“Transparency on this issue is essential. DOE’s action has thrown vital U.S. businesses – companies that invest billions in capital in long-term projects, support tens of thousands of U.S. jobs, and bolster the energy security of our allies – into turmoil as they grapple with uncertainty from politically-motived federal actions,” the letter states. 

The letter requests documents and analyses from the National Energy Technology Lab, or any communications between the White House and the lab, regarding LNG exports and their impacts on the U.S. economy, energy security, environment, and national security.