On Tuesday (September 17), local time, Chevron CEO Mike Wirth criticized US President Biden's natural gas policy, stating that it not only undermines the energy security of allies but also slows down the progress in combating climate change.

Wirth participated in the Gastech energy exhibition held in Houston on Tuesday and criticized Biden's suppression of the natural gas industry during the event.

In January of this year, Biden announced the approval of new liquefied natural gas (LNG) export projects, which won the support of progressives and climate activists. However, critics believe that Biden did this to gain more support from left-wing voters in the election year.

Wirth said, 'This prevents potential supplies from entering the market, thereby raising energy costs. It threatens the reliable supply of LNG, undermines the energy security of our allies, and slows down the transition from coal to natural gas, which means more carbon emissions rather than less.'

He added, 'Suspending LNG permits is a failure in terms of promoting economic prosperity, energy security, and environmental protection.'

Wirth emphasized, 'The government should not suspend LNG exports, but should stop suppressing the natural gas industry.'

At the time Wirth made these remarks, LNG exports had become a major campaign issue in Pennsylvania, where natural gas production accounts for about 20% of the US natural gas output. As one of the key swing states, Pennsylvania holds significant importance in determining the next US president.

The traditional view is that as a fossil fuel, the pollution and greenhouse gas emissions produced during the combustion of natural gas are significantly less than those of oil and coal, making it widely regarded as a transitional fuel towards clean energy. However, some climate scientists have questioned this argument.

Robert Howarth, a professor at Cornell University and an expert in methane, pointed out that the emissions footprint of LNG is not lower than that of coal, and may even be higher.

He stated that the production and transportation of shale gas will emit a large amount of coal, and the liquefaction and transportation of LNG will further increase methane emissions.