Three companies developing liquefied natural gas (LNG) projects in Texas and Louisiana said they would move full steam ahead with their projects after U.S. President Donald Trump lifted a freeze on export permits imposed by the previous administration.
Mr. Trump’s executive order effectively reversed the pause on permitting for new projects that former President Joe Biden had put in place in early 2024 to study the environmental and economic effects of the oil industry. booming exports.
Mr. Trump’s decision could pave the way for nearly 100 million metric tons per year (MTPA) of additional LNG by 2031 in very advanced projects, which would reinforce the United States in its position of world’s leading exporter of LNG.
“We continue to move full speed ahead on our current and future expansion projects and are confident that we will secure all necessary regulatory approvals,” said Bernardo Fallas, communications director for Cheniere Energy.
Leading US LNG exporter Cheniere Energy is awaiting an export license for its 3 MTPA mid-scale 8 and 9 expansion project in Texas.
Commonwealth LNG, which has waited longer for its permit than any other company, wants to build a 9.5 MTPA export plant in Louisiana to sell to countries that don’t have free trade agreements with the states -United States, said Mr. Trump’s decision was in the public interest.
The company is “focused on building a world-class LNG export facility,” a spokesperson said.
-Energy Transfer also welcomed the decision. It had an export license for its 15.5 MTPA facility in Louisiana, but needed a new permit after the Department of Energy denied an extension of its license due to delays in completion of construction.
“We look forward to the Department of Energy quickly authorizing new LNG export facilities, including the one in Lake Charles,” said Vicki Granado, a company spokeswoman.
Six more plants could get the financial green light in the first two years of the Trump administration, said Alex Munton, director of global gas and LNG research at consulting firm Rapidan Energy Group.
The Biden administration’s study found that the supply of natural gas in the United States was sufficient to meet domestic demand for the fuel and global demand for U.S. LNG. However, in an unconstrained LNG export scenario, domestic gas prices would increase by 31% in 2050, which would increase the natural gas bill of American households by more than $100 per year, with prices varying by region. .
Friends of the Earth said Tuesday that Mr. Trump’s decision would accelerate the climate crisis and drive up gas prices by sending supplies overseas.
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