President Donald Trump has issued an executive order to resume the processing of export permit applications for new liquefied natural gas (LNG) projects in the United States, aiming to boost domestic energy output and roll back climate policies implemented by his predecessor.
The order, announced on Monday, reverses a pause introduced by former President Joe Biden in early 2024.
Biden’s administration had halted approvals to allow US national laboratories to assess the environmental and economic impacts of the rapidly expanding LNG export industry.
“The pause created unnecessary uncertainty in the energy sector,” Trump said in a statement. “America must lead the world in energy production, and this decision puts us back on track.”
The US became the world’s largest LNG exporter in 2023, setting record shipment levels. The Department of Energy has projected that exports could double by the end of the decade and potentially double again under existing authorisations.
However, Biden’s moratorium had left several projects in limbo, particularly those targeting Asian and European markets.
Among the projects awaiting approval in Louisiana are Commonwealth LNG, Venture Global’s CP2 facility, Cheniere Energy’s Sabine Pass expansion, and Energy Transfer’s Lake Charles terminal. In Texas, the second phase of Sempra’s Port Arthur LNG project is also pending review.
Trump’s incoming energy team will be responsible for implementing his commitment to increasing oil and gas production. Chris Wright, nominated to lead the Department of Energy, pledged during his recent Senate hearing to prioritise the expansion of domestic energy production, including LNG and nuclear power. Wright, former head of oilfield services company Liberty Energy, said, “Our goal is to unleash America’s full energy potential.”
In addition, former North Dakota governor Doug Burgum, Trump’s pick for Interior Secretary, is expected to facilitate greater oil and gas leasing on federal lands. Burgum will lead a national energy council tasked with identifying strategies to further increase US energy output.
“We have vast resources under our feet,” Burgum stated in a recent address. “It’s time to responsibly develop them to secure America’s energy future.”
The resumption of LNG export approvals is expected to provide a significant boost to the US energy sector while drawing criticism from environmental groups concerned about the industry’s impact on climate change.
Boluwatife Enome
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