US Announces Deal to Sell Energy to EU, Curbing Dependence on Russian Fossil Fuels

The U.S. and the European Union announced a deal Friday to reduce Europe’s dependence on Russian fossil fuels following Russian President Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine.

An outline of the plan says the U.S. will work with other countries to provide Europe with another 15 billion cubic meters of liquified natural gas (LNG) this year. The plan's primary goals are "diversifying liquefied natural gas (LNG) supplies in alignment with climate objectives" and "reducing demand for natural gas." Russia provides roughly 40% of Europe's gas and 25% of its oil; the continent's Russian gas imports totaled roughly 155 billion cubic meters in 2021. LNG shipments to Europe from the U.S. grew to over 22 billion cubic meters last year, according to European Commission data. The U.S. and EU will also create a joint task force that will aim to reduce Europe’s overall reliance on Russian fossil fuels.

Some reports from left- and center-rated sources highlighted environmental activists who criticized efforts to create new fossil fuel infrastructure, arguing that they're at odds with President Joe Biden's goals for climate change and clean energy. Right-rated sources often highlighted how the White House presented the plan as a way to gradually reduce fossil fuel dependence overall and shift more to cleaner, renewable energy sources.