John Podesta influenced Biden’s halt on natural gas exports, benefiting his lobbyist brother
Biden Administration Climate Envoy Linked to Pause in U.S. LNG Exports
In a controversial move, John Podesta, the climate envoy for the Biden administration, has been identified as the driving force behind the decision to halt U.S. liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports. This decision has raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest, as Podesta’s brother, Tony Podesta, has a history of lobbying for foreign LNG companies, including one with ties to a Russian energy oligarch.
According to sources, John Podesta played a significant role in shaping the new LNG policy, which is seen by some as a concession to green energy activists within the Democratic Party. Notably, influential left-leaning donors, such as charities funded by the Rockefeller brothers and Michael Bloomberg, have poured substantial amounts of money into environmental groups that have advocated for restrictions on new LNG permits, as reported by the Wall Street Journal.
However, critics argue that this decision could also benefit Tony Podesta’s clients, as he has long represented foreign companies involved in the LNG industry. Over the past decade, Tony Podesta has worked for LNG group Golden Pass, co-owned by QatarEnergy, and Bulgarian company Protos Energy, which hired him to address LNG-related matters.
Since 2022, Tony Podesta’s firm has received over $1 million from Gemcorp, an investment fund with connections to Russia that was barred from participating in a Bulgarian LNG and energy development project. This raises concerns about the potential overlap between Tony Podesta’s lobbying work and his brother’s role in the Biden administration, similar to the scrutiny he faced for his work with the Chinese telecom company Huawei.
Energy industry insiders have warned that the pause on LNG export permits could benefit America’s foreign energy rivals, particularly Qatar and Russia, both major LNG exporters. Mike Sommers, CEO of the American Petroleum Institute, described the decision as a “win for Russia and a loss for American allies, U.S. jobs, and global climate progress.”
Gemcorp, a company represented by Tony Podesta since 2022, has faced controversy due to its Russian roots. The company’s founder and chairman, Atanas Bostandjiev, previously worked for a Russian state-owned bank that was sanctioned internationally. Gemcorp received initial funding from Russian energy tycoon Albert Avdolyan and telecom mogul Serguei Adoniev, who sold a company connected to a sanctioned Russian defense conglomerate.
Despite attempts to distance itself from Russia, Gemcorp’s involvement in Russian grain exports and its agreement with Moscow-controlled Sberbank have drawn criticism. The Bulgarian government revoked its energy modernization deal with Gemcorp after concerns were raised about the company’s links to Russia.
Prior to his work with Gemcorp, Tony Podesta represented Protos Energy, a company with an interest in the U.S. LNG market. He also lobbied for Golden Pass, a joint venture of QatarEnergy and ExxonMobil, between 2013 and 2018.
Neither Tony Podesta, the White House, nor Gemcorp have responded to requests for comment on these allegations.
What impact does the decision to halt U.S. LNG exports have on the growth of the industry and the American economy?
Ich has partnered with Russian billionaire Gennady Timchenko, a known ally of President Vladimir Putin. Tony Podesta’s connections raise suspicions about a potential conflict of interest in John Podesta’s role as the climate envoy.
The decision to halt U.S. LNG exports comes at a time when the industry was experiencing significant growth. The United States has emerged as a major exporter of LNG, thanks to its abundant natural gas reserves and new extraction technologies. This has not only contributed to energy independence but has also created jobs and boosted the economy.
The Biden administration’s focus on climate change is understandable and commendable. Addressing the global climate crisis requires significant efforts to transition to cleaner and more sustainable energy sources. However, the decision to halt LNG exports raises questions about the administration’s approach and the potential influence of vested interests.
The concern is that John Podesta’s ties to his brother’s clients may have influenced the policy decision, favoring foreign LNG companies over domestic interests. This not only undermines the administration’s commitment to job creation and economic growth but also raises doubts about the integrity of the decision-making process.
Moreover, critics argue that the decision to halt LNG exports may not have the desired impact on reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Natural gas is considered a cleaner alternative to coal and oil, and its exportation allows other countries to reduce their reliance on dirtier fossil fuels. By halting exports, the Biden administration may inadvertently push countries to revert to more polluting energy sources.
It is crucial for the Biden administration to address these concerns and ensure transparency in decision-making processes. Efforts to combat climate change should not be clouded by potential conflicts of interest or favoritism towards foreign companies.
As the climate envoy, John Podesta must prioritize the interests of the American people and align his decisions with the overall objectives of the Biden administration. It is essential to strike a balance between promoting clean energy and supporting domestic energy industries.
Moving forward, the administration should consider consulting a diverse range of stakeholders, including domestic industry representatives, economists, and environmentalists, to make informed decisions that benefit both the environment and the American economy.
In conclusion, the decision to halt U.S. LNG exports, reportedly influenced by John Podesta, raises concerns about potential conflicts of interest and favors foreign companies over domestic interests. The Biden administration must address these concerns to ensure transparency and uphold its commitment to combat climate change while supporting job creation and economic growth.
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