During the 2024 campaign, President Donald Trump pledged to cut energy prices by 50%, reiterating this commitment in speeches across New York, Pennsylvania, and North Carolina. He stated in a Newsweek op-ed, “We will cut energy and electricity prices in half within 12 months—not just for businesses but for all Americans and their families.”
However, nationwide electricity bills have risen 13% compared to last year. Some states face more significant increases due to higher exports of liquefied natural gas (LNG), leading to a spike in gas prices, as noted by a new Public Citizen report.
The analysis, using U.S. Energy Information Administration data, indicates Americans paid $12 billion more for natural gas from January to September 2025 than the previous year. As natural gas heats homes and powers the grid, its price significantly impacts utility bills, heightened by increased global market exposure.
LNG exports rose 22% this year, with the U.S. being the world’s largest exporter. The Trump administration has prioritized boosting LNG exports.
“Trump’s focus on LNG exports hinders energy affordability,” said Tyson Slocum, report author and Public Citizen’s energy program director. “25% of all U.S. natural gas production is for exports.”
Millions struggle with rising utility bills, Slocum noted. Census data from September 2024 shows 23% of Americans couldn’t fully pay at least one energy bill in the past year.
Taylor Rogers, White House spokesperson, stated to Inside Climate News, “Fixing Joe Biden’s energy crisis has been a priority for President Trump from day one. Lowering energy costs for families and businesses remains a top priority.”
Rogers attributed high electricity bills in blue states like California to “green energy scam” projects, while crediting red states’ lower costs to Trump’s “DRILL BABY DRILL” agenda.
While California and New England states have higher average prices, Republican states like Missouri, North Dakota, and Wyoming have seen the most significant increases since Trump took office. Missouri faces nearly a 42% rise since January.
The Trump administration reversed Biden’s LNG export pause, unleashing American energy. Last December, a Biden administration study warned that increasing LNG exports could raise greenhouse gas emissions and energy prices.
The U.S. Department of Energy has approved LNG projects allowing 25% more exports than in 2024.
Senator Ed Markey criticized the administration’s stance on LNG exports, saying, “They prioritize the LNG industry’s needs.”
In June, agreements were announced to export 5.5 million tons of LNG annually to Japan over two decades.
In September, discussions with the EU aimed to reconsider new methane emissions regulations for imports by 2027, potentially limiting U.S. LNG imports.
With a trade deal, the EU agreed to procure U.S. energy products valued at $750 billion through 2028.
Slocum noted, “American families subsidize cheaper gas for Europeans.” Europe was the primary destination for U.S. LNG exports, accounting for 53% in 2024.
Elizabeth Marx, from the Pennsylvania Utility Law Project, expressed concern over LNG export impacts on energy affordability at a public hearing. Terminations for electricity service in Pennsylvania increased 27% year over year by September, partly due to LNG exports.
Marx highlighted serious consequences of rising costs, including evictions and health hazards, emphasizing the need for regulatory action to address the root causes of the energy affordability crisis.
Original Story at insideclimatenews.org