In recent weeks, lawmakers and other groups have argued that liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports are decreasing natural gas supply for the U.S. market and increasing prices, according to Natural Gas Intelligence.

A group of 10 senators, mostly from New England, sent a letter to U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm earlier this month, requesting a review of the impact of LNG exports on domestic prices and a halt of pending permit approvals. Natural gas prices in New England have neared $30/Mcf, while prices across the rest of the country are closer to $5.

However, EQT Corp. CEO Toby Rice is cautioning against limiting LNG exports, saying such a move would further increase prices in the Northeast and harm the environment.

Rice suggested because New England is the only region in the country still importing LNG, prices would inevitably rise in new England as well as the rest of the world if global supplies were cut because of U.S. export limits.

As for the environment, Rice’s argument centered on the idea that producers across the United States are working with third parties to verify that their operations are being conducted in an environmentally-responsible way. So LNG from the U.S. is seen as more environmentally responsible than the same product coming from other parts of the world. Additionally, it’s helping displace coal overseas.

Learn more: Natural Gas Intelligence > EQT Chief Again Cautions Against Limiting U.S. LNG Exports