The Chamber SWLA was part of a collective of nearly 150 chambers across 36 states that implored the Department of Energy and the Biden Administration to reverse its recent decision to indefinitely ban new LNG export licenses.

This initiative was spearheaded by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and featured quotes from major Chamber leaders.

The letter reads: “As state and local chambers representing thousands of businesses of all sizes, we have significant concerns with the administration’s recent moratorium on liquefied natural gas (LNG) export license reviews. Simply stated, the administration’s action undermines economic growth and environmental progress while betraying America’s commitment to bolster the security of our allies during a period of rising global instability.”

“The pause on LNG permitting is a bad idea for the American economy, its allies, and the climate. US natural gas production creates US economic growth and jobs,” said Steve Kean, President and CEO of the Greater Houston Partnership. “It generates tax revenue for public services and it reduces CO2 emissions in power generation. We should be permitting more export facilities, not taking a pause.”

In addition to joining this collective, Eric Cormier, Senior Vice President with the SWLA Economic Development Alliance/Chamber SWLA testified in Washington, D.C. at the House Energy Climate and Grid Security Subcommittee hearing: “Politics Over People: How Biden’s LNG Export Ban Threatens America’s Energy and Economic Security” on February 6, 2024.

“When the administration announced its decision, my cell phone rang quite a bit. It was members of our regional Main Street calling. Small business owners were panicking. These folks built business plans for the expected final investment decisions for Ventura Global’s CP2, Commonwealth LNG, Magnolia LNG and Lake Charles LNG — representing $28.5 billion in proposed projects,” testified Cormier. “LNG companies have supported local schools and McNeese State University and SOWELA Technical Community College. This community partnership is helping our region grow its footprint in LNG and energy academic circles.”

 Cormier has also represented the concerns from Southwest Louisiana businesses on WWL in New Orleans and the Moon Griffon Show.