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Energy & Environment
Energy & Environment
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The Big Story
Judge halts Biden pause on gas export projects
Judge James Cain on Monday temporarily blocked the Biden administration’s pause on approving new gas export projects while the case against it plays out.
Cain, a Trump appointee, wrote that the pause will “be stayed in its entirety, effective immediately.”
He said the policy “is irreparably harming” the states that challenged it, saying that Louisiana, Texas and West Virginia face “the loss of revenues, market share, and deprivation of a procedural right.”
The background:
The Biden administration announced in January that it would temporarily stop authorizing new projects to ship natural gas to countries that don’t have free trade agreements with the U.S.
The pause, which was being done while the administration updated its criteria for approving projects, does not impact existing exports.
Gas exports are politically charged, with progressive environmental advocates urging the administration not to approve new fossil fuel infrastructure.
The Biden administration still may not necessarily approve new projects just because the policy was lifted. An Energy Department spokesperson said it “continues to review the court’s order and evaluate next steps.”
White House spokesperson Angelo Fernández Hernández said, “We remain committed to informing our decisions with the best available economic and environmental analysis, underpinned by sound science.”
Read more in a full report atTheHill.com.
Welcome to The Hill’s Energy & Environment newsletter, we’re Rachel Frazin and Zack Budryk — keeping you up to speed on the policies impacting everything from oil and gas to new supply chains.
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Essential Reads
How policy will affect the energy and environment sectors now and in the future:
Biden proposes first-ever nationwide worker protections from heat
As the nation sizzles, the Biden administration is proposing the nation’s first-ever standards aimed at protecting workers from extreme heat.
If finalized, the proposal would mandate that employers provide rest breaks and access to shade and water for workers who face extreme heat risks.
The Supreme Court has put environmental protections under threat — issuing decisions that limit the power of agencies like the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to combat climate change and pollution.
Full Story
Alaskan glacier melt is accelerating — and the effects could be irreversible: Study
The melt rate of a major Alaskan icefield is accelerating and could reach a point of no return much sooner than previously anticipated, a new study has found.
Full Story
In Other News
Branch out with a different read on The Hill:
July 4 may bring ‘dangerous heat’ to these areas of US
The National Weather Service (NWS) is warning of “persistent, dangerous heat” for much of the week, especially in the southern and southwestern parts of the country.
Full Story
What We’re Reading
News we’ve flagged from other outlets touching on energy issues, the environment and other topics:
Mexico City residents, faced with water crisis, resort to drastic measures (ABC News)
New global tension: Constraining China vs. combating climate change (Axios)
New York likely to miss 70 percent renewable target (Politico)
What Others are Reading
Two key stories on The Hill right now:
As president teeters, Jill Biden faces a critical juncture
She’s served more than three years as first lady, but after President Biden’s stunningly shaky debate performance and subsequent calls for him to step down, Jill Biden — and her potential power — are suddenly being thrust into the spotlight like never before. Read more
New York Dem will introduce amendment to reverse Supreme Court immunity ruling
Rep. Joe Morelle (D-N.Y.) said Monday he will introduce a constitutional amendment to reverse the Supreme Court ruling issued Monday, which largely shields former presidents from criminal prosecution for actions in office. Read more
Opinions in The Hill
Op-eds related to energy & environment submitted to The Hill:
No Paris, no problem? The case for a conservative climate strategy.
Kelly Huston is a freelance writer who covers everything from politics and health to business and parenting. She's been writing for DMG Energy News since 2018, and she's an avid reader of the site. When she's not writing, Kelly can be found spending time with her family and working out at the gym.