US gas industry asks Biden for meeting on domestic issues as Europe crisis looms

The US natural gas industry pointed to a European geopolitical crisis and fuel shortage to press its case for friendlier domestic policies.

The Natural Gas Council, an alliance of the major trade associations from the different sectors of the US gas industry, offered its support on Europe to President Joe Biden in a Feb. 10 letter, as well as a "partnership to improve lives and solve energy and climate challenges using America's natural gas resources."

The European gas shortage and a face-off between Russia and Ukraine have presented the gas industry with a chance to shine at a time when it is under pressure from a global transition to cleaner forms of energy. The Biden administration has pushed for an effective US climate policy, including a plan to cut methane emissions. But over the last couple months, as Russian troops amassed on the border with Ukraine and the US and other countries seek a diplomatic solution, the administration has said the US will be ready to send gas to Europe.

Industry representatives have expressed frustration at the sector's reduced status since Biden took office. In the new letter, the Natural Gas Council pressed Biden and other officials copied on the document, including US Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm and Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Chairman Richard Glick, for a dialogue that would address US as well as the European energy issues.

"The United States is not immune to future challenges — like those now facing Europe — if we are unable to continue growing and modernizing our natural gas system," the Natural Gas Council wrote. "Europe has discouraged natural gas development in recent years and the consequences are now clear — restricting natural gas threatens energy affordability and reliability in the near-term and hinders climate goals in the long-term."

"We urge you to pursue federal policies that reflect your campaign statements on the importance of natural gas and your recent statement on European energy security," the industry said.

The Natural Gas Council is composed of five members: the American Gas Association, the American Petroleum Institute, the Interstate Natural Gas Association of America, the Independent Petroleum Association of America and the Natural Gas Supply Association. They represent nearly all of the companies that produce, transport and distribute gas in the US.

The council highlighted the industry's contributions to the economy and willingness to modernize its infrastructure and practices. It asked for consideration in policy areas such as pipeline permitting and emissions regulations.