U.S. Extends LNG Export Study Comment Period to March 20
WASHINGTON, Feb. 8 (Reuters) - The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has extended the comment period on a federal study assessing the economic and environmental impacts of liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports until March 20th. The initial deadline was February 18th.
The DOE cited the need for "appropriate stakeholder input" as the reason for the extension. This move aligns with President Trump's directive to expedite the resumption of LNG export approvals, which were paused under former President Biden.
Trump has emphasized the importance of swiftly reversing Biden's moratorium on LNG export approvals to major markets in Asia and Europe. However, advisers have cautioned against hasty approvals, fearing that they could be overturned in court.
The extension of the comment period provides an opportunity for LNG proponents to review and challenge the study. This could potentially strengthen the case for approvals and mitigate potential legal challenges.
Since becoming the world's largest LNG exporter in 2023, the U.S. has seen projects like Venture Global's CP2, Commonwealth LNG, and Energy Transfer's Lake Charles delayed due to Biden's moratorium.
The study ordered by Biden raised concerns about the climate impacts of unrestricted LNG exports. The DOE has instructed the office of fossil energy carbon management to resume reviewing pending LNG export applications.