Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill has taken the lead in a legal challenge involving 16 states against President Joe Biden and the United States Department of Energy. The lawsuit addresses the recent decision to prohibit new liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports.
The coalition includes Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, West Virginia, and Wyoming alongside Louisiana. The dispute arose following a January 26th decision by President Biden and his Department of Energy to stop all new approvals of LNG exports to non-Free-Trade Agreement countries. This move is described as a deviation from established policy under the Natural Gas Act.
Attorney General Murrill argues that this decision adversely affects the plaintiff states and local communities relying on LNG-related investments. "The Biden administration’s illegal attacks on American energy jeopardizes the livelihoods of thousands of hard-working Louisiana men and women," Murrill stated. She emphasized the significant economic impact of LNG on Louisiana's coastal communities recovering from recent hurricanes.
Murrill further criticized the administration for undermining domestic clean energy production: “Instead of supporting clean energy production right here at home... That is why we are seeking a preliminary injunction to stop this ban on LNG and protect Louisiana energy.”