PORT ARTHUR, Texas — The fight continues between Southeast Texas lawmakers and the Biden administration's halt on all future liquified natural gas (LNG) exports.
Today U.S. Representative Randy Weber joined the energy and commerce subcommittee on energy, climate and grid security for a hearing to discuss the effects of the ban.
Weber says he refuses to give in and wants Southeast Texas to remain on the frontlines of energy exports.
"Joe Biden's ban directly jeopardizes Port Arthur's LNG which broke ground in construction last month," Weber said.
Weber continues to stand firm with other Southeast Texas leaders including Port Arthur Mayor Thurman Bill Bartie against the Biden administration's decision to halt permits on all major LNG exports.
"We produce almost 65% of the nation's jet fuel, 80% of the nation's military grade fuels, 60% of the strategic petroleum reserve is in our district, 20% of the nation's gasoline east of the Rockies," said Weber.
He has no intentions of backing down anytime soon.
"I don't care whether it's republican or democrat, don't stop energy production in Southeast Texas," Weber said.
Weber and the Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Jeff Duncan listened to witnesses' concerns about what the president's decision means for the future of Port Arthur.
"It not only helps the job creation it also helps American national security. It also helps our friends and allies overseas," Duncan said.
John Beard Jr. is the CEO of the Port Arthur Community Action Network. He was one of the few at the hearing, supporting the pause on LNG permits.
"These are communities that have been affected by petrochemical pollution for so long and now we're bringing LNG into the picture and it's bringing pollution with it," Beard said.
He says the halt on permits will preserve the health of the environment, the economy and the community.
"The chronic health effects coming from industrial pollution are killing us," Beard said.