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What advice, if any, did the Minister receive about the 170 climate scientists signing onto a letter asking President Joe Biden to reject plans to build more LNG export terminals, on the grounds that “even in the best-case scenarios, LNG is at least 24 percent worse for the climate than coal” in December 2023?

Answered Question 5972 (2026)
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Asked by

Steve Abel

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • What advice, if any, did the Minister receive about the 170 climate scientists signing onto a letter asking President Joe Biden to reject plans to build more LNG export terminals, on the grounds that “even in the best-case scenarios, LNG is at least 24 percent worse for the climate than coal” in December 2023?

Answered by

Hon Simon Watts

Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister for Energy

Answer

I did not receive advice on this matter. The Government is procuring an LNG import facility to address our specific problems relating to dry-year risk and, relatedly, the rapid decline in domestic gas production. By addressing the dry-year problem, we will have more secure and affordable electricity, which will encourage New Zealand households and businesses to electrify.