In a groundbreaking move, global delegates heading to the annual United Nations climate change summit have circulated a letter urging the immediate ban of new natural gas infrastructure projects in the United States and other Western nations. The letter, obtained exclusively by Digital, is spearheaded by Senator Ed Markey, a Democrat from Massachusetts, along with Lisa Badum, a member of the German Parliament leading her nation’s delegation, and Canadian Senator Rosa Galvez. This call to action comes ahead of the COP28 climate conference, set to begin on Thursday in Dubai.
The letter highlights the commitment made by the United States and 39 other governments and institutions at COP26, known as the Glasgow Statement, which pledges to prioritize the clean energy transition and end new direct public support for the international fossil fuel sector by 2022. However, it criticizes the United States for moving towards a harmful expansion of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) infrastructure, a sentiment shared by several other countries including Germany and Canada.
LNG, which is natural gas cooled for easier transport, was initially seen as a solution to tackle the global energy crisis. However, the letter argues that additional LNG capacity is not needed and emphasizes the negative environmental impact of LNG and natural gas production due to greenhouse gas emissions. Despite its lower carbon dioxide emissions compared to coal, environmental activists have long opposed natural gas production. The United States has already made significant progress in reducing carbon emissions, primarily due to the transition from coal to natural gas in the power sector.
Republicans attending COP28, such as Representative John Curtis of Utah, are critical of the letter. Curtis, who chairs the Conservative Climate Caucus, believes the summit should focus on reducing global emissions rather than limiting energy choices. However, the letter has garnered support from lawmakers in the United States, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the European Union. It will be published during COP28 as part of the ongoing “Global Parliamentary Inquiry on the Progress of the Fossil Fuel Phase-out.”
The House Energy and Commerce Committee also held a hearing on America’s energy and environmental leadership on the world stage, highlighting the role of natural gas production in emissions reductions. Chairwoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers of Washington emphasized the importance of building on America’s remarkable legacy in transforming the human condition, lifting people out of poverty, and raising living standards. She advocated for a strong energy mix that utilizes domestic resources, lowers costs for Americans, and reduces reliance on China for energy needs.
Over the years, natural gas has become the dominant power source in the United States, with coal generation decreasing significantly. In 2005, coal accounted for 50% of total U.S. power, while natural gas contributed only 19%. However, in 2022, coal represented less than 20% of the nation’s power, while natural gas became the largest power source at 40%.
While Senator Markey and Lisa Badum did not respond to requests for comment, this call to ban new natural gas infrastructure projects highlights the ongoing debate surrounding the role of natural gas in the clean energy transition. As the COP28 climate conference begins, it remains to be seen how this issue will be addressed and what impact it will have on global efforts to combat climate change.
