Industry groups object to LNG export ‘pause’

A coalition of industrial groups--including GPA Midstream and GPSA--have registered their objection to the Biden Administration plan to hold off approvals of new liquefied natural gas (LNG) export facilities.

In a letter to Department of Energy and other administration officials, the coalition said restricting LNG exports could exacerbate the energy crisis in Europe.

“As trade and member associations representing the United States liquefied natural gas (LNG) value chain, we are deeply concerned the Biden administration is considering burdensome changes to the Department of Energy’s (DOE) permitting process for U.S. LNG exports,” The letter states. “Any action to halt U.S. LNG export approvals would be a major mistake that puts American jobs and allies at risk while undermining global climate goals.

GPA Midstream and GPSA join industry letter objecting to LNG export restrictions.

“The United States is the world leader in natural gas production, meeting record domestic demand and becoming the top exporter of LNG in 2023. Our nation’s abundant supply of natural gas is an impactful geopolitical tool, helping insulate American consumers from increasing global instability while advancing American national interests and ensuring the energy security of key U.S. allies.”

The pause in approvals affects facilities that do not yet have a permit from the DOE, including Venture Global LNG’s CP2 export terminal planned for Louisiana. That facility would have a liquefaction capacity of 20 MTPA of LNG. American LNG export capacity has tripled since 2018, and is slated to double further by 2030 even with the pause, Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm told reporters.