Texas Lawmakers Write Letter to Biden About LNG Policies

In a bipartisan effort, Texas lawmaker Vicente Gonzalez (D) and eight others joined together to send President Joe Biden (D) a letter regarding his administration’s decision to stop pending and future approvals of LNG (Liquified Natural Gas) exports to non-free trade agreement countries until the U.S. Department of Energy updates their authorization process.

“We write to urge you and your administration to refocus on policies that support U.S. liquified natural gas (LNG) exports. Your continued prioritization of LNG exports ensures a future marked by affordable, accessible, and sustainable energy resources that foster global stability and propel the energy transition. We firmly believe that LNG exports hold significant benefits for the U.S. economy, energy security, and bolstering our alliances with U.S. partners across the world,” wrote the representatives.

Despite not being one of the letter’s nine signees, Texas Representative Beth Van Duyne (R) expressed her support and concern about the issue as well.

“This week, I joined a bipartisan group of my Energy Export Caucus colleagues to voice our strong concerns regarding Biden’s decision to limit U.S. liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports. I’m working to unleash American energy to expand job opportunities, lower costs for hardworking families, fight inflation, protect our national security and help our freedom loving allies,” said Rep. Van Duyne.

Last month, Rep. Gonzalez (D) celebrated his bipartisan legislation, Pressure Regulatory Organizations To End Chinese Threats to Taiwan Act (PROTECT Taiwan Act), passing the House.

“Breaking. My bipartisan bill with @RepFrankLucas passed the House today. We must ensure Beijing is held accountable with financial consequences should they threaten our ally, Taiwan,” tweeted Gonzalez.

The congressman has been busy, as the new Senate bill that addresses the border has been the focus of many politicians.

Gonzalez (D) spoke with Texas Politics about his support for the Senate border bill as well as another legislation known as the “Remain in Mexico” policy, saying that not enough is being done to secure the border.

Gonzalez stated that he supported the president using executive action to address the various border issues.

“I’ve been advocating for safe zones in Guatemala, in Panama, and in Colombia, where asylum seekers go to those safe zones that we put together in cooperation with the host country,” said Gonzalez.

Gonzalez summarized his thoughts on the matter and stated, “Under my proposal, if they come without going through that safe zone they could be immediately removed back," and expressed his openness to the Remain in Mexico policy.