U.S. “pause” on LNG exports lifted

A digital rendering of the Port Arthur LNG export terminal phase 2. The Trump Administration has ended a pause on considering and apporving LNG export terminals. (Image courtesy of Bechtel)

The Trump Administration has ended a “pause” on approving liquefied natural gas (LNG) export facilities.

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) said it would be returning to regular order following direction given by President Donald J. Trump to “unleash American Energy Dominance.”

The Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management (FECM) will also resume consideration of pending applications to export American liquefied natural gas (LNG) to countries without a free trade agreement (FTA) with the United States in accordance with the Natural Gas Act. Proper consideration of LNG export applications is required by law and shall proceed accordingly.

U.S. shipments of LNG set a record in 2023 and the country is the world’s largest exporter of the product. Exports are expected to double by the end of the decade and could double again under existing authorizations, the Energy Department has said.

Plants in Louisiana awaiting approvals include Commonwealth LNG, Venture Global’s CP2, Cheniere Energy’s expansion to its Sabine Pass facility and Energy Transfer’s Lake Charles terminal. In Texas, a second phase of Sempra’s project Port Arthur LNG, awaits approval.

Last month, the Department published a multi-volume analysis of selected issues concerning LNG exports and established Feb. 18, 2025, as the deadline for public comments of the study. To ensure such public interest determinations receive appropriate stakeholder input, the Department is extending the comment period from Feb. 18, 2025 to March 20, 2025.

Acting DOE Secretary Ingrid Kolb has directed the FECM to return to regular order and resume consideration of all applications. This process should occur simultaneously with the multi-agency NEPA review process to streamline and reduce inefficiencies in the regulatory process.