FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: September 15, 2023
New Study Finds Rising Exports of Oil and Gas Undermines Domestic Action to Reduce Emissions
The study breaks new ground by assessing overseas emissions from oil, gas, and coal produced in the United States in tandem with forecasts of domestic emissions
(Arlington, VA) — Ahead of the United Nations Climate Ambition Summit, Symons Public Affairs today released “Exporting Carbon: Assessing the Greenhouse Gas Impact of U.S. Fossil Fuel Exports.”
The study found that greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) from United States fossil fuel exports are increasing in amounts greater than the GHG reductions being achieved from the extensive clean energy incentives in the Inflation Reduction Act.
According to the study:
Carbon and methane emissions from U.S. fossil fuel exports have increased by 1.8 gigatons (CO2e/yr) since 2005, a 463% increase above 2005 levels.
Within U.S. borders, greenhouse gas emissions from energy are expected to decline significantly by 2030. However, emissions from U.S. fossil fuel exports could reach 2.9 gigatons annually by 2030, a 650% increase above 2005 levels.
When fossil fuel exports are included, U.S. greenhouse gas emissions from energy have increased by 9% since 2005 and are expected to remain above 2005 levels through 2050
Fossil fuel exports could cause up to $18.7 trillion in climate damages by 2050.
“Fossil fuel companies are exporting more and more greenhouse gas emissions from the United States even as we are reducing pollution here at home, with the net result that America is basically treading water in terms of our global carbon footprint,” said Jeremy Symons, author of the report and Principal at Symons Public Affairs. “The good news is that addressing fossil fuel production and exports provides an additional set of powerful tools for the Biden administration to lead on climate change. For example, the climate damages associated with US fossil fuel exports could be reduced by up to $6 trillion by shifting trajectories.”
The release of this study coincides with the start of the March to End Fossil Fuels in New York City – a wide-scale mobilization to urge President Biden to stop fossil fuel expansion and extraction. The march will take place ahead of the UN Climate Ambition Summit where UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres will ask heads of state to present concrete steps to accelerate the transition from fossil fuels.
The Biden administration is currently considering approving new fossil fuel projects even as the UN Secretary General calls for “ceasing licensing or funding of new oil and gas” to avert the most catastrophic climate change impacts. These projects include:
Department of Energy (DOE) and Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s (FERC) consideration of CP2 – the largest LNG export project ever considered for approval – as well as Port Arthur LNG, Lake Charles LNG, Commonwealth LNG, and other LNG export projects. FERC will hold an open meeting on September 21, where multiple LNG projects will likely be approved.
Department of Interior consideration of new offshore oil and gas leasing in the National OCS Oil and Gas Leasing Program for 2023-2028 (Five Year Plan). The Administration is expected to soon release its final program.
“This study shines a light on the increasing importance of fossil fuel supply and export policies in shaping America’s climate impact,” said Symons.
The study and slides are available at www.SymonsPA.com