Study finding science behind LNG pause riddled with errors prompts Congressional inquiry

Republican representatives are scrutinizing the scientific integrity behind President Joe Biden’s decision to pause export permits for liquefied natural gas (LNG) and demanding more details on the research the administration used in the decision. 

Research from Cornell University professor Robert Howarth has been frequently cited by the media and members of Congress calling for a ban on LNG exports. The controversial research concluded that LNG is worse on emissions than coal, but a recent analysis by the Breakthrough Institute found the research is riddled with errors. 

Rep. Frank Lucas, R-Okla., chair of the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, and three Republican colleagues penned a letter this week to Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm. The letter refers to the Breakthrough Institute study and previous questions about what research the Biden administration is using in determining the pause is necessary. 

According to the letter, despite multiple attempts to get answers on this question, “No documents or communications meeting this criterion have been received.” The letter asks the Department of Energy to be “fully transparent” and provide the requested documentation. 

Reps. Brandon Williams, R-Texas, Max Miller, R-Ohio, and Jay Obernolte, R-Calif., also signed the letter. While the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission permits the construction of LNG facilities, the Department of Energy handles export permits to countries without free trade agreements with the U.S., which includes European nations. The pause impacts dozens of pending export permits. 

In an interview earlier this month, Howarth said he openly advocates for the rapid elimination of fossil fuels. He didn’t address any of the points made in the Breakthrough Institute’s analysis, but he said it appeared to be written to “confuse a lay audience while trying to come across as scientific.”