Last month, President Biden announced he would be restricting the export of Liquid Natural Gas – a currently vital United States product – through executive order.
This abrupt decision by the administration is not only a direct hit to our energy sector but also a blow to the economic stability of Michigan, the entire nation, and the entire world. Natural gas is a critical component of our state's unique energy profile, contributing significantly to its economy and helping to ensure energy security for millions of Americans.
But it can also be so much more.
At a time when we should be advocating for energy independence and doubling down on natural gas exports, these restrictions represent a big and very unnecessary step backward. And unfortunately, moving backwards is becoming all too familiar for us here in Michigan.
Biden’s play here is just his version of the alarmist policies pushed by Governor Whitmer and Michigan Democrats last fall to appease the coastal elites in their base to raise election money. In politics, promises always connect to money – either providing it to some or taking it from others. In this case, Biden has done both at once.
He has let his supporters know they can bank on him (literally) and he's let opponents like Texas Governor Abbott know it will cost them and their people dearly to oppose him.
We all know there is a crisis taking place at the southern border right now. The president and Governor Abbott have made their difference in philosophy on how to handle it quite clear. When the federal government wants a state to do something they attack the budget first. Cracking down on Natural Gas is not about helping the environment, it's about appealing to progressive extremists and forcing states like Texas to fall in line and execute the president's plan for immigration.
And the worst part is that this strategy leverages two big problems for political gain (energy and immigration) without actually improving the lives of those problem’s victims one bit.
Biden should reconsider this decision and engage in a more comprehensive dialogue with stakeholders in the energy sector to find balanced and sustainable solutions to our nation’s energy challenges.
Because bullying doesn't breed solutions.
It just breeds more bullies.
There are a lot of variables in your tract. I know you're obliged to find the worst scenario. I'm down here in Texas and although Abbott might agree with you the general opinion is not as militant.
"Because bullying doesn't breed solutions.
It just breeds more bullies."
Isn't that exactly what a previous President has done to the Republican party and anyone who stands in opposition to him?