In the fight against climate change, youth-led organizations are often at the forefront, pushing for meaningful change with passion and urgency. One such organization, Zero Hour, co-founded by climate activist Jamie Margolin, is once again sounding the alarm on a critical issue that could have devastating effects on our planet and future generations. Zero Hour is calling on President Biden and the Department of Energy (DOE) to halt what they describe as the largest expansion of fossil fuel infrastructure in U.S. history: the construction of over 20 new Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) export facilities.

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What’s at Stake?

At the heart of this controversy is the potential construction of these LNG facilities, which are expected to emit greenhouse gases on a massive scale. According to Zero Hour, these projects could collectively add the equivalent emissions of 675 coal-fired power plants. This is a staggering amount, particularly at a time when the scientific consensus is clear that we must drastically reduce fossil fuel use to avoid the worst impacts of climate change.

Among these proposed projects, one facility stands out for its sheer scale and potential environmental impact: CP2. This facility alone is projected to produce 20 times as much carbon pollution as the controversial Willow Project in Alaska, which has already drawn significant criticism from environmental groups and activists.

 

The CP2 Facility: A Closer Look

CP2, short for Calcasieu Pass LNG Phase 2, is planned for construction in Louisiana, a state already grappling with the effects of climate change, including rising sea levels and increasingly severe weather events. The facility is designed to export natural gas to international markets, further embedding fossil fuels in the global energy mix. However, the environmental cost of CP2 could be monumental. Not only would its operation significantly increase greenhouse gas emissions, but the process of extracting, transporting, and liquefying the natural gas would also pose risks to local ecosystems and communities.

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Why This Matters

The construction of new LNG facilities like CP2 is at odds with the urgent need to transition to renewable energy sources. While LNG is often marketed as a cleaner alternative to coal, it is still a fossil fuel that contributes to carbon emissions. Moreover, the expansion of LNG infrastructure locks us into decades of continued fossil fuel use, making it even harder to achieve the emissions reductions necessary to meet global climate goals.

Zero Hour argues that the Department of Energy must take a hard look at the cumulative impacts of these projects on our communities, the climate, and U.S. energy prices before granting any new permits. They point out that the construction of such facilities often disproportionately affects marginalized communities, who are already bearing the brunt of pollution and environmental degradation.

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How You Can Help

Zero Hour is mobilizing support through a petition calling on the DOE to stop CP2 and all new LNG permit approvals until a comprehensive review of their impacts is conducted. The organization urges all who are concerned about climate change and environmental justice to add their voice to this crucial campaign.

By signing the petition, you are not just standing against a single project but are also taking a stand for a more sustainable and just future. As Jamie Margolin and Zero Hour remind us, the time for action is now. Let’s join them in making sure our leaders hear this urgent call to stop the largest buildout of fossil fuels in U.S. history.

Join the fight. Sign the petition here and demand a better future for all.