New Attack On U.S. Natural Gas Fails The Perspective Test

Forbes Business

by David Blackmon, Senior Contributor

February 19, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Critics of U.S. natural gas have recently claimed that rising exports of liquefied natural gas (LNG) are to blame for higher utility bills. However, a closer examination of the data reveals that this narrative doesn’t hold up under scrutiny. The article challenges these claims by highlighting that key economic indicators and market trends do not support the notion that LNG exports alone are driving up energy costs for consumers. The piece references the "perspective test," a framework used by energy experts to evaluate cause-and-effect relationships in the natural gas market. According to this analysis, while U.S. LNG exports have indeed increased over the past few years, other factors—such as global demand, production levels, and geopolitical dynamics—play a more significant role in determining domestic utility prices. The article points out that natural gas prices in the U.S. have remained relatively stable despite the rise in exports, suggesting that the relationship between LNG exports and higher bills is not as direct as critics claim. From a business perspective, this debate highlights the complexity of the natural gas market and the importance of understanding broader economic forces. The article underscores that factors like supply chain efficiency, competition in global markets, and domestic energy policies all influence utility costs. For businesses, particularly those in industries reliant on natural gas, this means that pinning higher bills solely on LNG exports may oversimplify the issue and overlook other critical variables at play. The discussion also touches on the broader implications for U.S. energy policy and international trade. As the country continues to expand its role as a global LNG supplier, questions about how this impacts domestic consumers will likely remain a hot topic. The article emphasizes the need for a more nuanced approach to analyzing energy markets, one that considers multiple factors rather than isolating single variables. Ultimately, the piece serves as a reminder of the importance of relying on data-driven insights when evaluating claims about energy prices and market trends. For readers interested in business and finance, this highlights the value of adopting a critical, evidence-based perspective when assessing complex economic issues. By doing so, businesses and consumers alike can make more informed decisions based on a comprehensive understanding of how global markets interact.

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Originally published on Forbes Business on 2/19/2026