WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Department of Energy applauds the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s (FERC) agreement to provide a path forward for consideration of liquefied natural gas (LNG) export terminals pending before the Commission. Yesterday, FERC approved Venture Global’s Calcasieu Pass LNG export project in Cameron Parish, Louisiana by applying a new approach for consideration of direct greenhouse gas emissions from LNG facilities.

This new approach will streamline, expedite, and improve the LNG terminal application review process, and the Department supports the utilization of this framework by FERC to evaluate additional LNG terminal applications pending before the Commission.

“I applaud FERC on their action today to authorize the construction of another LNG export facility,” said U.S. Secretary of Energy Rick Perry. “This past year, the U.S. became a net exporter of natural gas on an annual basis, and we are exporting U.S. LNG to 34 different countries across 5 continents. The construction of this facility and the expedition of others under this new framework will further build upon the success of American natural gas.”

“With the United States now being the world’s largest producer of oil and natural gas, it is critical we build the necessary infrastructure to get these natural resources to market,” said U.S. Deputy Secretary of Energy Dan Brouillette. “This move by FERC is a significant step to bring more U.S. LNG into the market, as well as streamline the energy infrastructure permitting and authorization process. More U.S. gas in the international market will ultimately increase competition and drive down prices for consumers.”