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Liquefied natural gas exported from the United States is significantly cleaner than most of the alternative fuels available in Europe, a new report found, a finding that challenges the basis for liberal Democrats’ opposition to new export terminals for LNG.
The new study has particular significance in light of the Biden administration’s pause on approvals of new LNG export terminals earlier this year to consider the effects of new facilities on the climate. That decision has sparked intense backlash from industry groups and Republicans in Congress, who argued the pause could risk global energy security and risk driving allies into the hands of Russia and other adversaries.
The report, conducted by Berkeley Research Group and commissioned by the U.S. trade group LNG Allies, found that the average emissions intensity of U.S. LNG exports to Europe is 53% lower than emissions from coal-fired power plants within the bloc and 8% lower than emissions from total piped gas imports to the bloc.
U.S. LNG greenhouse gas emissions had a 29% and 19% lower emissions profile compared to piped gas supplies from Russia and Algeria, respectively.
U.S. LNG emissions were higher than piped gas emissions from Norway and Azerbaijan, however — at 35% and 4%, respectively.
The report, based on more than two years of research, is the most comprehensive study to date comparing lifecycle emissions from U.S. LNG to other fossil fuel emissions.
The U.S. has seven …