In 2023, the United States emerged as the world’s largest exporter of liquefied natural gas (LNG), surpassing major exporters Qatar and Australia, according to federal data released on Monday. This marked a 12% increase in American gas shipments compared to 2022, as reported by the independent Energy Information Administration.
The surge in U.S. LNG exports coincided with Europe’s efforts to reduce dependence on major supplier Russia, following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. However, the Biden administration is facing pressure from various groups, including climate activists, regarding the environmental impacts of natural gas exports.
In response to concerns about growing gas exports, the administration temporarily paused approvals for some new natural gas export projects earlier this year. While this did not affect existing exports or projects already under construction, experts have debated the environmental effects of U.S. natural gas exports, as the fuel contributes to climate change but can also displace dirtier coal in some countries.
Despite political tensions over its oil and gas production, the administration aims to balance climate action with support for the energy industry. The increase in U.S. LNG exports was driven by strong demand from Europe and high international prices, along with the re-opening of Texas’s Freeport LNG plant in 2023 following a fire in 2022. Record export levels were seen in November and December of the same year.
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