A federal judge in Louisiana has blocked the administration of President Joe Biden from pausing the approvals of liquefied natural gas (LNG) export applications. 

US Judge Blocks Joe Biden's Pause on LNG Projects

According to Reuters, US District Judge James Cain in Lake Charles, Louisiana, ruled on Monday in favor of 16 Republican-led states that had challenged the pause, arguing it would harm their economies.

Cain, appointed by former President Donald Trump, asserted that the Department of Energy's halt on LNG export approvals lacked reason and logic.

Cain found the states "have a likelihood of success" to prove the pause violated the Natural Gas Act and was arbitrary, capricious, and unconstitutional.

He criticized the department's actions as exceeding its authority, referencing numerous studies highlighting natural gas exports' economic and environmental benefits.

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Response of the Energy Department

The Energy Department has expressed disagreement with the ruling and is considering its next steps.

The administration of Joe Biden paused LNG export projects in January to allow officials to evaluate their economic and environmental effects, particularly in high-demand regions like Europe and Asia. 

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