Venture Global LNG, a U.S.-based LNG producer, received approval from President Trump’s administration on Wednesday to export LNG from a proposed Louisiana facility, which had previously encountered delays.
The Department of Energy (DOE) granted approval for the Venture Global CP2 LNG export project in Cameron Parish, Louisiana, earning accolades from business groups while facing sharp criticism from environmentalists. The Department has authorized the Calcasieu Pass 2 (CP2) gas export project, allowing it to sell natural gas to nations without a free trade agreement with the United States.
LNG export projects generally require such approval before starting construction.
The CP2 authorization represents the fifth gas-related approval since Trump assumed office and ranks as the largest gas project approved by the Trump administration to date.
Energy Secretary Chris Wright emphasized the clear advantages of expanding U.S. LNG exports, expressing pride in taking steps to provide more affordable, reliable, and secure American energy to benefit both the American people and allies abroad.
The approval aligns with the Trump administration’s commitment to ‘unleashing’ U.S. energy, with a particular focus on fossil fuels.
Although the approval signifies considerable progress for the project, CP2 still requires a decision from the independent Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), which had previously approved it and later decided to reassess following objections from environmental groups.
Interior Secretary Doug Burgum and Wright pledged to expedite permits for new petroleum projects, responding to industry concerns over delays caused by environmental protests.
Environmentalists have criticized projects like the CP2 LNG venture, citing increased pollution impacting nearby communities and arguing LNG contributes to worsening climate change.
Authorizing the terminal prioritizes fossil fuel company profits over the interests of the American public, stated Gillian Giannetti, senior attorney at the Natural Resources Defense Council.
The Department of Energy concludes LNG exports can offer economic benefits to the United States, diversify global LNG supplies, and strengthen energy security for U.S. allies and trading partners through 2050.
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