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. “From Maine to California, chambers nationwide warned of the detrimental consequences the freeze will have on businesses, future investments, and global security.” - from a U.S. Chamber Press Release 

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 (pictured) 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 

• To read the full text of the letter, visit https://www.uschamber.com/assets/documents/240318_Coalition_LNGExports_Sec.-Granholm.pdf
• For more on the Administration’s decision, visit the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s website: https://www.uschamber.com/energy/now-is-not-the-time-to-cut-lng 

About the Chamber SWLA

The Chamber SWLA is a coalition of businesses and organizations working together to make Southwest Louisiana a better place to live and work. The Chamber is part of the SWLA Economic  Development Alliance, an umbrella organization which works with private industry, the small business community and public entities to develop our region. 

About the U.S. Chamber of Commerce

 The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world’s largest business organization representing companies of all sizes across every sector of the economy. Our members range from the small businesses and local chambers of commerce that line the Main Streets of America to leading industry associations and large corporations. They all share one thing: They count on the U.S. Chamber to be their voice in Washington, across the country, and around the world. For more than 100 years, we have advocated for pro-business policies that help businesses create jobs and grow our economy.