The U.S. Department of Energy has granted Lake Charles LNG Export Company, LLC more time to begin exporting liquefied natural gas (LNG) to countries without free trade agreements with the United States. The amendment order was signed by Secretary of Energy Chris Wright and applies to the Lake Charles LNG project in Louisiana. When completed, this facility will be able to export up to 2.33 billion cubic feet per day of natural gas as LNG.
“On the heels of President Trump’s historic trade negotiations, demand for secure, reliable American LNG is surging,” said Secretary Wright. “The Department of Energy is ensuring companies like Lake Charles LNG are prepared meet this global demand while advancing commonsense policies that support American jobs and lower energy costs here at home.”
Tala Goudarzi, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management, stated: “Granting this commencement extension furthers the Trump Administration’s priority of unleashing American Energy, a radical shift from the last administration, whose actions undermined the progress of Lake Charles LNG for years.”
Originally built as an import terminal, Lake Charles LNG is now being developed into an export facility. The company has recently secured several long-term contracts with buyers such as Chevron and Kyushu Electric Power Company.
The United States remains the world’s largest producer and exporter of natural gas. Currently, eight large-scale LNG projects are operating across the country with more under construction or expanding capacity. According to the Department of Energy, under President Trump’s leadership it has approved applications allowing exports exceeding 13.8 billion cubic feet per day—more than what any other country except one currently exports.
