Landrieu, Ryan Commend Moniz on Critical Report Showcasing Central Role of Natural Gas in Achieving Global Energy Security and Climate Goals 

(Washington, DC) – Former U.S. Senator Mary Landrieu (D-LA) and former Congressman Tim Ryan (D-OH), Co-chairs of Natural Allies for a Clean Energy Future Leadership Council, issued the following statement regarding the report entitled, The Role of U.S. Natural Gas Exports in a Low-Carbon World, released today by former U.S. Energy Secretary Ernest J. Moniz and the EFI Foundation:  

“We commend former U.S. Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz and the EFI Foundation for their leadership in advancing science-based solutions to build a low-carbon energy future. The findings in this report underscore the central role of natural gas in the transition to a low-carbon future here in the United States and across the globe. Natural gas, as a cleaner alternative to coal and oil, and more reliable than existing renewable technologies, can help countries meet both energy security needs and decarbonization goals. As the world’s biggest natural gas exporter, the United States plays a crucial role in helping countries address both goals on a global scale. 

“If our shared goal is driving down global carbon emissions as fast as possible, we must look to countries like China that are still burning more coal than the rest of the world combined. We know natural gas is a proven carbon reduction strategy that can be mobilized through liquified natural gas exports, benefitting American industry, American jobs, and America’s security interests. Specifically, replacing coal with natural gas is a proven carbon reduction strategy that can be deployed quickly – over last 15 years, U.S. power-sector carbon emissions have dropped 30 percent, with almost two-thirds of those savings coming from switching coal power plants to natural gas. 

“Democrats can be both pro-natural gas and pro-climate. The findings in this report reaffirm our belief that our political leaders must adopt a pragmatic approach towards energy policy, that climate, affordability, and reliability are all intertwined with energy security. There is no doubt that natural gas will continue to be crucial in achieving our global goals for decarbonization, energy security and food security. 

“We must stop focusing on fuels and start focusing on emissions. Despite a politically divided Washington, there is space for both President Biden and congressional leaders to move realistic and practical energy policies forward like permitting reform and building the infrastructure necessary for the energy transition. Much of that is under way in this administration with investments in hydrogen, carbon capture, and other technologies. 

“As Democrats who care deeply about jobs, the environment, and our national security, we must look at the facts, study the science and advocate for a smart approach so we can meet our shared goals here in the U.S. and across the globe. Doing so will recognize the value of natural gas, working alongside renewables, to meet our climate goals faster without jeopardizing reliability or affordability.” 

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About Natural Allies for a Clean Energy Future 

Natural Allies is a 501c4 not for profit organization that seeks to better inform the public and policy makers about why natural gas is best partnered with renewable power sources to accelerate our clean energy goals. Among the industry leaders supporting Natural Allies for a Clean Energy Future are: The Williams Companies, Kinder Morgan, TC Energy, EQT, National Fuel Gas, Enbridge Inc., Quanta Services, Inc., the United Association of Plumbers and Pipefitters, International Brotherhood of Teamsters, International Union of Operating Engineers, Pipe Line Contractors Association, American Pipeline Contractors Association, Interstate Natural Gas Association of America (INGAA) and the INGAA Foundation. To learn more visit: naturalalliesforcleanenergy.org.