Fracking Unleashes Natural Gas to Lower Global Emissions, Grow U.S. Economy, & Support U.S. National Security

WASHINGTON (September 11, 2024) – Today, Chris Treanor, executive director of the Partnership to Address Global Emissions (PAGE) issued the following statement in response to Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump’s exchange on natural gas during last night’s presidential debate:

Last night’s debate reinforced the bipartisan backing of natural gas as a vital American resource.

Vice President Harris highlighting her work to invest in the clean energy economy while increasing “domestic gas production to historic levels” is a recognition of widespread voter support for this strategic energy resource and the critical role U.S. LNG plays in reducing emissions and helping allies around the world. In fact, a recent poll commissioned by PAGE shows that 69% of voters, including most Democrats, support increasing natural gas production.

America has the natural resources and the voter mandate to lead a steady global energy transition with natural gas at the forefront, and PAGE urges both campaigns to further champion natural gas as an affordable climate and energy security solution. We will remain actively engaged with stakeholders across the political spectrum to ensure that comprehensive permitting reform that includes timely LNG export approvals and pipeline infrastructure remains a legislative priority so that we can fully realize the potential of U.S. natural gas.

About PAGE

The Partnership to Address Global Emissions (PAGE) is a coalition of responsible energy companies, allied NGOs, labor unions and leading climate advocates dedicated to reducing global emissions by promoting U.S. policies that protect the climate, strengthen the economy, lower energy costs and bolster energy security through the production and export of cleaner natural gas. Learn more at https://www.pagecoalition.com/.

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New Report Analyzes Lifecycle GHG Emissions of U.S. LNG Exports

Washington, D.C., July 30, 2024 – Natural Allies for a Clean Energy Future (NACEF) and the Partnership to Address Global Emissions (PAGE) today released a comprehensive study on the lifecycle of greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) from U.S. liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports and how they compare to alternative fuels. The Study, commissioned by NACEF and PAGE, and conducted by ICF, “Lifecycle GHG Emissions of U.S. LNG Exports: Concepts, Methodologies, Data and Results,” shows that U.S. LNG exports are likely to have represented a net reduction in the world’s GHG emissions compared to the mix of alternative fuels (primarily coal and oil) that would have likely substituted for the LNG exports had they hypothetically not existed in 2022.

The purpose of the Study is to provide a detailed explanation of how lifecycle analyses (LCAs) of GHG emissions for U.S. exports of LNG are estimated and how those estimated emissions compared with the LCA GHG emissions of alternative fuels such as coal and petroleum products in 2022. The Study presents a Base Case analysis using transparent, well-documented and consistent data and methods and, where uncertainties exist for important parameters used to make these estimates, provides sensitivity analyses. Additionally, the Study compares its results to other studies, including one by Robert Howarth cited in media reports as the basis for the Biden Administration’s “LNG pause,” and identifies how the application of assumptions, such as methane leak rates and the global warming potent (GWP) factor, can have major impacts on the results.

The key results of the Study can be summarized as follows:

U.S. LNG exports were likely to have had a lower lifecycle of GHG emissions when compared to using coal alone, fuel oil alone or the expected mix of alternative fuels in 2022 (summed across all countries importing U.S. LNG) that would most likely replace imported U.S. LNG.
Under this Study’s base case assumptions, shifting from U.S. LNG to coal increases GHG emissions by 47.7% to 85.9%. Shifting U.S. LNG to fuel oil increases emissions by 24.8% to 41.8%.
Without U.S. LNG exported abroad, that energy would be replaced with 54% coal, 34% fuel oil, 16% domestic gas, and 8% renewable sources. The total increase in world GHG emissions in the absence of U.S. LNG in 2022 would have been 112 million metric tons.
The majority of other studies reviewed here show similar results to this Study when comparing LNG with coal and fuel oil in power-plant or industrial applications.
The Study relied on U.S. EPA GHG Inventory and the GREET factors designated by Congress in the Inflation Reduction Act. Other studies showing U.S. LNG as having more LCA emissions than coal have relied on different source materials and applied different methodologies and assumptions.

An important caveat is that the Study determined the mix of fuels that are likely to have been expected to substitute for U.S. LNG in 2022 assuming normal short- to medium-term market dynamics (that is, price driven supply/demand shifts). The Study is not forward-looking and did not project emissions associated with future fuel use or fuel mixes. The Study did not address what long-term changes to fuel mix and GHG emissions could be achieved by government policies in the countries that import U.S. LNG to shift their fuel use further toward low-carbon solutions including nuclear power, solar, wind, biofuels, carbon capture and storage, certified lower-carbon fossil fuels, energy conservation, etc.

“U.S. LNG will continue to be an important pathway to drive down global greenhouse gas emissions across the globe. This report shows that without U.S. LNG exports in 2022, greenhouse gases would have increased by over 112 million metric tons, mostly produced by coal,” said former Senator Mary Landrieu, Co-Chair, Natural Allies Leadership Council. “Higher emissions around the world hurt us here at home, too. It’s my hope that my fellow Democrats in Washington move beyond bumper sticker slogans and begin to talk about the realities of how we can responsibly scale up renewables, drive down emissions quickly, and secure energy systems at home and abroad with affordable, reliable, and low-carbon natural gas.”

“This study underscores the fact that natural gas is a cleaner alternative to coal and must remain a solution to achieving our climate and energy security goals,” said Chris Treanor, Executive Director of PAGE. “We urge policymakers to take heed of this data and advance energy policies that expand natural gas to reduce emissions, create jobs, and strengthen the economy.”

Access the executive summary and full summary here.

About Natural Allies for a Clean Energy Future

Natural Allies is a coalition of leaders that recognize the vital role natural gas, and its infrastructure must play to secure our economic future and enhance our natural security. Natural gas partnered with renewable energy can accelerate our path to a clean energy future – ensuring affordability and reliability while reducing carbon emissions domestically and internationally. To learn more about the members and the organization, please visit: naturalalliesforcleanenergy.org.

About PAGE

About this Study
ICF is a non-partisan, non-political company that delivers a broad and diverse range of independent, unbiased, objective analyses and related consulting services to help its clients meet their missions. This report may not be construed as ICF’s endorsement of any policy, regulatory, lobbying, legal, or other advocacy position or organization or political party. Any conclusions presented herein do not necessarily represent the policy or political views of ICF. ICF’s services do not constitute legal or tax advice.

Views of Individual NACEF and PAGE Members. This Material has been prepared by ICF and issued by NACEF and PAGE and not the individual members of NACEF and PAGE. This Material does not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the individual members of those organizations.

PAGE Statement on Energy Permitting Reform Act of 2024

WASHINGTON, D.C. (July 26, 2024) – Today, the Partnership to Address Global Emissions (PAGE) issued the below statement in response to the U.S. Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resource’s Energy Permitting Reform Act of 2024:

The PAGE Coalition appreciates Chair Manchin and Ranking Member Barrasso’s bipartisan work to keep the critical importance of modernizing our nation’s outdated and restrictive permitting system at the forefront of the national conversation.

In particular, we appreciate their focus on timely consideration of LNG export applications and look forward to working with Congress to build on this proposal and advance permitting reform that addresses pipeline infrastructure. Comprehensive permitting reform that includes timely LNG export approvals and pipeline infrastructure is a necessary investment that will strengthen national security, reduce global emissions, and stabilize U.S. natural gas supply to meet energy demands, while keeping prices low.

About PAGE

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PAGE Responds to Federal Court Finding Illegality in LNG Export Pause

WASHINGTON, D.C. (July 8, 2024) – Today, the Partnership to Address Global Emissions (PAGE) issued the below statement regarding a federal court’s recent decision to reverse the Biden Administration’s U.S. LNG Export Pause:

Members of PAGE were pleased to see a federal court find illegality in the Biden Administration’s LNG Export Pause, approving a request from 16 U.S. states, including Louisiana, Texas and West Virginia, to lift the pause on new approvals for natural gas exports while the litigation against the rule unfolds.

The court also rightfully recognized the “undisputed” fact that natural gas is a cleaner alternative to coal. The ruling cited analysis from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) that shows “burning natural gas for power emits fewer greenhouse gas emissions and pollutants than other fossil fuels.” In fact, the Department of Energy’s own 2019 analysis concluded that the life cycle emissions of U.S. LNG exports to Europe and Asia are lower than regional coal and Russian gas on both a 20-year and 100-year basis.

As emphasized in PAGE’s January statement and letter to U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm, restricting the export capacity for U.S. LNG will have serious foreign policy implications and compromise future decarbonization progress. These realities were echoed by the federal court ruling, noting that the court had “reviewed voluminous studies… all of which boast of both the economic and environmental benefits of exporting natural gas.”

PAGE will continue to closely monitor and engage with the Administration to permanently end the pause so it does not continue to affect our national security and climate goals.

About PAGE

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New poll finds that nearly 70% of voters support increasing natural gas production

There is a broad consensus that voters want natural gas to be part of a steady transition to clean energy

Among a number of pressing issues, this November American voters will decide on the direction of energy and climate policy for years to come. Over the past three plus years, the Biden Administration and Congress have pursued a climate agenda that prioritized reducing emissions. Yet Democratic policymakers have shied away from publicly supporting the primary driver behind U.S. emissions reductions – natural gas – for fear of alienating voters.

The reality is voters across party lines overwhelmingly want natural gas to play a role in the energy transition. That’s what a new nationwide poll conducted by Democratic polling firm Impact Research and commissioned by the Partnership to Address Global Emissions (PAGE) found. Ahead of the upcoming election, climate-minded candidates would be wise to consider where voters stand on natural gas as an energy and climate solution.

The poll found that voters are increasingly pragmatic about the energy transition, as 76% of voters and 80% of Democrats want the country to steadily transition to clean energy by using all options currently available to keep energy affordable and reliable. The appeal of this approach is growing rapidly, with support for a steady transition climbing 11 percentage points today compared to 2022.

But what do Americans mean by a “steady” transition? The poll overwhelmingly shows that voters want the steady transition to feature natural gas.

Nearly 70% of voters are in favor of increasing natural gas production, including majorities of Democrats (59%) and Independents (63%).

Moderate Democratic support for increased production has progressed the most, with net support growing 10 percentage points since 2022. Natural gas, only slightly behind renewables, such as solar (84%) and wind energy (78%), is the top energy source voters want to see used more, with 67% in favor of increased usage.

Widespread support for natural gas also extends to exporting the fuel to our allies. More than half of all voters (58%) and Democrats (63%) say it’s important to support our allies by providing reliable energy exports of natural gas. In the same vein, there is net support (+12 overall / +13 Democrats) for increasing the exportation of American-produced natural gas to allied nations.

This support for natural gas is driven by reliability and affordability being top of mind for voters. Reducing energy costs is a top priority for a majority of voters across party lines, including 62% of moderate Democrats and 58% of Independents. Additionally, nearly 60% of voters believe that strengthening U.S. energy independence is vital for energy policy.

The results are clear: Democrats must be willing to meet voters where they are on climate solutions, which include natural gas. Recent history suggests that failing to balance emissions with affordability and reliability hurts Democrats at the polls. For example, Democrats suffered historic election losses following the unsuccessful cap-and-trade bill of 2010. It was nearly a decade following those votes before a majority of voters supported ambitious climate legislation.

By aligning with the majority of voters and advocating for reliable, affordable, and clean energy, our leaders can better position themselves to drive a successful long-term energy transition that reduces emissions, creates jobs, and strengthens the economy.

Nationwide Poll Shows Bipartisan Consensus (69%) that Voters Support Increasing Natural Gas Production

Amid concerns about energy reliability and affordability, 76% of voters want a steady transition to clean energy by using all options currently available

WASHINGTON, D.C., May 16, 2024 - A nationwide poll conducted by Democratic polling firm Impact Research finds bipartisan support for the increased production of natural gas, with 69% of all voters in favor and majorities of Democrats (59%), Independents (63%), and Republicans (85%). The poll also finds that three-quarters of voters overall want the country to steadily transition to clean energy by using all options currently available to keep energy affordable and reliable. This includes 80% of Democrats, which is a 7% increase since 2022.

The survey was commissioned by the Partnership to Address Global Emissions (PAGE), a non-partisan coalition of like-minded organizations dedicated to reducing global emissions by promoting U.S. policies that protect the climate, strengthen the economy, lower energy costs, and bolster energy security through the production and export of cleaner natural gas.

“The message is clear: voters support natural gas as an energy source and want to see increased production. This poll demonstrates the salience of energy as an election issue for Americans, and candidates up and down the ballot should be focused on the solutions that the public supports,” said Chris Treanor, PAGE executive director. “By campaigning on and legislating for reliable, affordable, and clean energy, American policymakers can position our country to lead a successful long-term energy transition that reduces emissions, creates jobs, and strengthens the economy.”

Key findings from the nationwide poll of registered voters include:

Natural gas ranks top among energy sources just behind renewables.
Only slightly behind renewables, such as solar (84%) and wind energy (78%), natural gas is the top energy source voters want to see used more, with 67% in favor of increased usage.

Democrats’ support for natural gas production continues to climb.
Nearly 70% of voters support increasing natural gas production, including 59% of Democrats and with net support of more production increasing 10 points among moderate Democrats specifically since 2022.

Strengthening U.S. energy independence and reducing energy costs are the leading energy policy goals among American voters.
Reducing energy costs is a top priority for a majority of voters across party lines, including 62% of moderate Democrats and 58% of Independents. Additionally, nearly 60% of voters believe that strengthening U.S. energy independence is vital for energy policy.

Support for a steady clean energy transition that keeps energy affordable and reliable has increased since 2022.
Overall, voter preference for a steady clean energy transition has increased by 11%, from 65% in 2022 to 76% today. Among Democrats, preference for a steady transition has increased by 7%, from 73% in 2022 to 80%, but notably has increased by 9%, from 67% to 76%, among Democrats under 50 who are typically the most bullish on the transition to renewables.

A majority of voters believe it is important for the U.S. to support our Western Allies by providing reliable energy exports, and there is support for increasing natural gas exports.
More than half of all voters (58%) and Democrats (63%) say it’s important to support our allies by providing reliable energy exports of natural gas.In the same vein, there is net support (+12 overall / +13 Democrats) for increasing the exportation of American-produced natural gas to allied nations.

“This polling data reveals important insights as we near Election Day, showing broad bipartisan support for natural gas production – particularly among Democrats,” said Luke Martin, Vice President at Impact Research. “While reducing carbon emissions and fighting climate change are priorities for Democrats, so is reducing energy costs. That’s why voters across the board favor a steady transition to cleaner energy that is both affordable and reliable, with natural gas as a key part of that solution.”

Impact Research’s survey was a nationwide poll of 1,000 registered voters with an over sample of 500 Democrats conducted between April 9-15, 2024. The margin of error is +/- 3.1 and +/- 3.5 for the overall Democratic sample.

About PAGE

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Pausing Global Coal-to-Natural Gas Conversions Will Substantially Slow Pace of Emissions Reductions

It is imperative that the Energy Department reverse course and allow natural gas to continue as a driver of cleaner, more secure energy worldwide.

With global CO2 emissions rising, President Biden has rightfully adopted firm climate commitments through landmark legislation such as the Inflation Reduction Act and notable executive actions on methane emissions.

However, the Department of Energy's (DOE) recent decision to pause pending approvals of liquified natural gas (LNG) exports is contrary to this pattern of firm climate policy. Pausing U.S. LNG exports will force nations worldwide to turn to dirtier, less reliable forms of energy, such as coal, making it increasingly difficult to achieve the goals set out in the Paris Climate Agreement.

The administration says the pause is to study natural gas's climate impacts, but gas has already proven to be a climate solution. Delaying our exports will force our allies to look elsewhere to meet their energy needs, which is why the administration must reverse course and allow natural gas to continue to be the driver of cleaner, more secure energy on a global scale.

New research from the International Energy Agency shows coal-to-gas switching was the most significant driver behind U.S. energy sector emissions reductions in 2023.

U.S. natural gas is the cleanest, most reliable baseload energy source

The U.S. has provided a model showing that phasing out dirty coal-fired power plants and replacing them with low-carbon natural gas is a pivotal part of the global energy transition.

New research from the International Energy Agency shows coal-to-gas switching was the most significant driver behind U.S. energy sector emissions reductions in 2023. Coal-to-gas switching has also helped the U.S. reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 17% over the last two decades.

The natural gas industry is also making rapid progress in reducing methane emissions, cementing natural gas's role in the energy transition. The sector is proving it's taking methane seriously, leading to a 23% reduction in U.S. energy industry methane emissions from 2020 through 2022. Only an additional 7% decline is needed by 2030 to meet the global methane pledge.

This methane progress is only growing natural gas's positive climate impact. It builds on the DOE's 2019 study, which concluded that the life cycle emissions of U.S. LNG exports to Europe and Asia are lower than those of regional coal and Russian gas.

The natural gas export pause will harm allies

Despite the clear environmental benefits of increasingly low-carbon natural gas, Biden’s pause on LNG exports makes it exceedingly difficult to achieve our global climate goals.

Without a reliable energy supply, our allies could once again become dependent on dirtier, less secure, and less reliable energy from undemocratic countries like Russia, Iran, and Qatar. This situation has already proven true with a resurgence in global coal use, with Germany and other EU members activating once-dormant coal plants to ensure stable energy supplies.

Without natural gas, we cannot facilitate the clean energy transition

Another key ramification of the pause is that it will significantly impact the developing world's decarbonization ability. According to McKinsey & Company, combating climate change is likely only possible if developing countries achieve clean, low-carbon economies. These changes can also help generate increased capital and economic opportunities in these regions.

To help facilitate a just and global clean energy transition, the Biden Administration has invested over $200 million to expand access to renewable energy in Africa. While these efforts are laudable, renewables alone cannot generate the baseload of energy the countries need. Furthermore, developing countries need approximately $1.7 trillion annually worth of renewable energy investments, making natural gas a far more financially feasible option.

The science is clear—U.S. natural gas is a crucial emissions reduction driver and is critical to achieving the world's climate goals.

These shortcomings have been notable in countries like China, where declining hydropower production due to droughts has brought about a resurgence in coal use, thereby diminishing other progress on renewables. Today, China emits the most energy-related CO2 emissions globally and could remain in that position through 2050 as it doubles down on coal.

The good news is that natural gas is the ideal complement to renewables to facilitate the energy transition. Together, their energy outputs ensure stable production flows while providing both developed and developing countries access to clean, affordable, and reliable energy.

The bottom line

The science is clear—U.S. natural gas is a crucial emissions reduction driver and is critical to achieving the world's climate goals. However, the Biden Administration has implemented an energy policy that will counter the very goals it has committed to achieving.

By expanding natural gas production and sending it to coal-reliant regions, we can export a proven climate solution to the world.

PAGE Responds to U.S. House Considering a LNG Export License Pause Reversal in Foreign Aid Packages

WASHINGTON, D.C. (April 17, 2024) – Today, Executive Director of Partnership to Address Global Emissions (PAGE) Chris Treanor issued the below statement in response to recent reports that U.S. House leaders may include a provision to end the Department of Energy’s (DOE) liquefied natural gas (LNG) export license approval pause along with foreign aid packages:

The Administration is rightfully urging Congress to pass foreign aid funding that supports our allies against ongoing aggression from adversaries. However, the effort to restore peace is incomplete without ensuring global energy security.

Including a provision that ends the LNG export license approval pause is vital for U.S. foreign policy and climate goals: it ensures the continued delivery of LNG exports to our allies, so they are less reliant on authoritarian regimes for energy and do not backslide into dirtier energy sources – like coal and Russian and Iranian gas. LNG export growth since 2016 has reduced emissions, created jobs and kept prices low, making the pause an unnecessary interruption to wait for public impact that is already well-established.

PAGE strongly urges Congress to include a provision reversing the LNG export license approval pause in legislation that provides foreign aid to our allies. We will remain actively engaged with members of Congress on both sides of the aisle and the Administration to advance a bipartisan solution that protects our allies from military and energy aggression.

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Comparative GHG Footprint Analysis for European and Asian Supplies of USLNG, Pipeline Gas, and Coal

The BRG Energy & Climate practice (BRG E&C) has undertaken an independent life cycle analysis (LCA) of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of US liquefied natural gas (USLNG) and competing fossil fuels used for power generation in 13 destination markets.

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