In a pivotal move ahead of the COP28 climate conference in Dubai, international delegates, including key figures from the United States, Germany, and Canada, have initiated a campaign for an immediate ban on new natural gas infrastructure projects in Western nations. The initiative, spearheaded by U.S. Senator Ed Markey (D-Mass.), German Parliament member Lisa Badum, and Canadian Senator Rosa Galvez, aims to align global energy policies more closely with the targets set in the Paris Agreement.
This coalition of lawmakers has drafted a letter, which was shared with Fox News Digital, urging fellow legislators and international representatives to prioritize clean energy transition and cease direct public support for the fossil fuel sector. The letter references the commitments made at COP26, where the U.S. and 39 other governments pledged to end new support for international fossil fuel projects by 2022, in line with the Glasgow Statement.
The letter highlights concerns over the rapid expansion of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) infrastructure in the U.S. and other countries. LNG, a form of natural gas cooled for transport, has been viewed as a solution to the global energy crisis. However, climate advocates argue that additional LNG capacity is unnecessary and counterproductive in the fight against climate change, as its combustion releases greenhouse gases.
Despite this, natural gas is often considered a preferable alternative to coal due to its lower carbon dioxide emissions and reliable power generation capabilities. The U.S., for instance, has seen a significant reduction in carbon emissions since 2005, largely attributed to the shift from coal to natural gas in power generation.
Representative John Curtis (R-Utah), chair of the Conservative Climate Caucus and a COP28 attendee, emphasized the U.S.’s role in producing clean, affordable energy, largely thanks to its fossil fuel resources. He advocates for a presence at COP28 to promote innovation and diverse energy solutions rather than limiting energy choices.
The letter, supported by lawmakers from various nations including the U.S., Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the U.K., and the European Union, is set to be published during COP28. It is part of the “Global Parliamentary Inquiry on the Progress of the Fossil Fuel Phase-out.”
Meanwhile, the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee recently held a hearing on America’s energy and environmental leadership. The hearing discussed the emission reductions achieved through increased natural gas production. Chairwoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-Wash.) highlighted the benefits of natural gas in reducing emissions and improving living standards, advocating for a diverse energy mix that leverages domestic resources and reduces reliance on foreign energy, particularly from China.
Comparative data from 2005 and 2022 shows a dramatic shift in U.S. energy generation, with coal’s share dropping from 50% to under 20%, while natural gas has risen to 40%, becoming the country’s largest power source.
Senators Markey and Badum have not commented on the initiative.