What the Heck is Freedom Gas?

It's no secret that the Trump administration is an avid supporter of fossil fuels and now the Republican government has taken things one step further and given the Department of Energy approval to rename natural resources "Freedom Gas."

Announced in a press release, the Department of Energy outlined how hydrocarbons sourced from Texas shale beds and exported around the world will now be referred to as "molecules of US freedom." While the press release was geared towards announcing approval for Houston-based company Freeport LNG to export liquified natural gas processed at a proposed offshore liquefaction plant in Texas, the new terms for fossil fuels easily stole headlines.

Department of Energy looks to "spread freedom gas throughout the world"

"Increasing export capacity from the Freeport LNG project is critical to spreading freedom gas throughout the world by giving America’s allies a diverse and affordable source of clean energy," reads a statement from US Undersecretary of Energy Mark W. Menezes.

It's not the first time the "freedom" phrase has made an appearance, with Secretary of Energy Rick Perry referencing liberty at a press briefing in Brussels announcing an increase in US liquefied natural gas shipments to Europe.

"The United States is again delivering a form of freedom to the European continent," he said. "And rather than in the form of young American soldiers, it’s in the form of liquefied natural gas.”

Increasing "molecules of US freedom" exports key to advancing clean energy

For the United States, approving additional liquified natural gas exports from companies like Freeport LNG supports the government's commitment to boosting the American energy industry, as well as creating jobs and bolstering the economy. The Department of Energy also outlines how increasing the Freeport LNG export cap to up to 0.72 billion cubic feet per day will play an important role in promoting clean energy around the world.

"Further, increased supplies of U.S. natural gas on the world market are critical to advancing clean energy and the energy security of our allies around the globe. With the U.S. in another year of record-setting natural gas production, I am pleased that the Department of Energy is doing what it can to promote an efficient regulatory system that allows for molecules of US freedom to be exported to the world,” says Steven Winberg, Assistant Secretary for Fossil Energy.

With average global temperatures now 1.5 °C above pre-industrial levels, making the switch to clean energy is becoming front of mind for countries across the globe. For a closer look at the environmental impact of the oil and gas industry, as well as how companies are working to manage their footprints and minimise damage, don't miss 'Lubricants and the Environment.'