Rising Natural Gas Prices Under Trump’s Export Policies

In 2025, U.S. households experienced a significant increase in natural gas costs, paying an average of $124 more in the first nine months compared to the same period in 2024. This rise, amounting to a collective $12 billion increase for consumers, is attributed to President Donald Trump's policies promoting natural gas exports. Despite Trump's campaign promises to lower energy costs, the reality has been a growing affordability crisis driven by escalating natural gas prices.

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The United States has become the world's leading producer and exporter of natural gas, largely due to a fracking boom that has raised environmental concerns across various states, including Pennsylvania and Texas. Approximately 25 percent of U.S. natural gas production is now exported, a significant increase from just 5 percent a decade ago. The expansion of liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminals, particularly along the Gulf Coast, has further fueled this trend, consuming more gas than the 73 million U.S. households that rely on it.

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Tyson Slocum, director of Public Citizen’s energy program, criticized the rising prices, stating, “Record LNG exports are driving domestic demand and increasing domestic prices for residential consumers.” He emphasized that Trump's policies are exacerbating the affordability crisis, as the export industry consumes more natural gas than all U.S. consumers combined. In contrast, the Trump administration has claimed success in achieving "energy dominance" and has touted the approval of more LNG export capacity than any other country.

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Environmental groups, including the Sierra Club, have raised alarms over the construction of LNG terminals, which they argue threaten vital coastal wetlands and contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions. Eric Huber, a managing attorney for the Sierra Club, noted that the expansion of the LNG industry is detrimental to local fishing communities and exacerbates pollution issues. Additionally, critics argue that Trump's deregulation efforts have rolled back essential environmental protections, further endangering both ecosystems and consumer interests.

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While the Trump administration maintains that deregulation and increased exports will ultimately benefit consumers, many voters report feeling the strain of rising utility bills and grocery prices. Trump has attributed the affordability crisis to Democrats, labeling it a “Democrat hoax,” despite evidence of increasing costs under his policies. The Consumer Price Index indicates only a slight decrease in gasoline prices, contradicting claims of overall energy affordability.

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• “Not only are prices not declining, they are increasing, and we Americans are experiencing an energy affordability crisis driven by high natural gas prices.” — Tyson Slocum, Director, Public Citizen’s Energy Program

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• “LNG is wiping out the small commercial fishing industry there and replacing it with this giant global export industry,” — Eric Huber, Managing Attorney, Sierra Club

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• “What’s clear is Donald Trump’s policies are exacerbating this,” — Tyson Slocum, Director, Public Citizen’s Energy Program

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As the Biden administration temporarily paused new LNG export terminal permits to reassess their public interest implications, Trump has vowed to reverse these measures, signaling a continued push for deregulation in the fossil fuel sector. The ongoing debate over energy policy will likely shape the landscape for both consumers and environmental advocates in the coming years.

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