Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has successfully blocked the Biden Administration’s indefinite ban on approving applications to export liquefied natural gas (LNG). Texas, along with Louisiana and fourteen other states, filed a lawsuit challenging the LNG export ban, arguing that it disregards the Natural Gas Act's presumption in favor of exports and contradicts decades of Department of Energy policy. The plaintiffs also emphasized the economic reliance on these exports by states and private entities.
The federal court ruled in favor of Texas, issuing an immediate pause on the ban while the lawsuit proceeds. The judge stated: “The Court finds that the Plaintiff States are entitled to the Injunctive Relief requested as to the LNG Export Ban. Accordingly, the Court will grant Plaintiffs’ Motion for Preliminary Injunction, and order that the LNG Export Ban be stayed in its entirety, effective immediately.”
Attorney General Paxton commented on the ruling: “This ruling means Biden’s illegal ban does not prevent Texas natural gas from reaching market while the lawsuit continues. While I continue fighting for Texans against the Biden Administration, producers can take their natural gas to market instead of flaring it. This will protect Texas jobs and keep our critical energy industry running.”