LNG exports: America’s hidden ‘climate bomb’

15 snips

Dec 18, 2023

Explore the rise of the US as the largest exporter of LNG due to the fracking boom. Discuss the environmental impact, including greenhouse gas emissions. Highlight the concerns over Calcutta You Pass and its negative effects. Look at the mobilizing power of the environmental movement and future elections. Discuss the approval process of LNG infrastructure and the need for oversight. Analyze the Department of Energy's evaluation process and its outdated studies on environmental impact.

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Introduction

00:00 • 3min

The Environmental Impact of America's Boom in LNG Exports

02:44 • 18min

The Significance and Impact of Calcutta You Pass (CP2)

20:39 • 3min

The Mobilizing Power of the Environmental Movement and the Importance of Future Elections

23:31 • 3min

Gratitude, Sponsor Ad, and LNG Infrastructure Approval Process

26:20 • 2min

Oversight of LNG Exports and FERC's Approval Process

28:04 • 9min

Analyzing the Department of Energy's Evaluation of LNG Projects

36:40 • 15min

In less than a decade, America has become the world’s biggest exporter of liquified natural gas.

In the mid-2000s, the US was building terminals to import more fossil gas. But that all changed after the fracking boom unlocked vast reserves of hydrocarbons.

The US became a net exporter in 2017. Then, Russia’s war on Ukraine forced a scramble for new supplies of gas in Europe – and American companies stepped in.

The consequence: a historic push for new terminals, a vast new source of heat-trapping gasses that could wipe out US climate gains, and a growing conflict over how the government approves new LNG infrastructure.

This week: we explore the latest climate flash point: liquified gas.

We’re joined by Bill McKibben, author, organizer and founder of Third Act; Nicole Pollack, a contributing writer at Canary Media; and Jeremy Symons, analyst, political strategist, and principal at Symons Public Affairs.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Canary Media: Nicole Pollack’s deep dive into the controversies over FERC approval of LNG exports.
New Yorker: Bill McKibben’s article on Robert Howarth’s latest research on LNG emissions.
Jeremy Symons’ recent research on how LNG exports are causing US emissions to rise.

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The Carbon Copy is supported by FischTank PR, a specialized climatetech PR firm dedicated to bringing meaningful results for companies in sectors spanning grid edge, solar, energy storage, battery, EVs, alternative fuels, VC and green building. FischTank helps clients stand out in an increasingly competitive and noisy space. Visit FischTank PR to learn more.