Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has taken legal action against the Biden Administration, filing a lawsuit aimed at halting what he deems an unlawful and indefinite ban on approving applications to export liquefied natural gas (LNG). Paxton's move comes in response to the Department of Energy's acknowledgment that the ban has "no factual or legal basis."
Joined by Louisiana and fourteen other states, Texas is leading the charge to challenge the constitutionality of the LNG export ban. The lawsuit argues that the ban goes against the Natural Gas Act's presumption in favor of exports, decades of Department of Energy policy, and the reliance of both states and private entities on export activities. As the leading producer of crude oil and natural gas in the nation, Texas stands to be significantly affected by the Biden Administration's ban, potentially causing harm to the state's economy and millions who depend on Texas energy.
In a statement, Attorney General Paxton expressed his strong opposition to the ban, stating, "The ban will drive billions of dollars in investment away from Texas, hinder our ability to maximize revenue for public schools, force Texas producers to flare excess natural gas instead of taking it to market, and annihilate critical jobs. I will not stand by while Biden attacks Texas."
Paxton's legal challenge aims to address what he perceives as a unilateral decree by the Biden Administration that disregards statutory mandates, flouts the legal process, disrupts the oil and gas industry, destabilizes the Texas economy, and undermines the constitutional framework.
For those interested in reviewing the filing, further information can be accessed by clicking [here](link to the filing).