Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has secured a significant victory by blocking 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 to void the LNG export ban, which they argued was unconstitutional. The plaintiffs contended that the ban ignored the Natural Gas Act’s presumption in favor of exports and decades of Department of Energy policy. They also highlighted the reliance of state and private entities on these exports. Texas, as the nation’s leading producer of both crude oil and natural gas, claimed that the ban would severely harm its economy and those dependent on Texas energy.
The federal court sided with Texas against the Biden Administration, immediately pausing 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.”
“This ruling means Biden’s illegal ban does not prevent Texas natural gas from reaching market while the lawsuit continues,” said Attorney General Paxton. “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.”