Decision Point Looms In US (LNG) Export Debate

The white-knuckle ride for proposed liquefaction projects in the Lower-48 states is almost over as the Department of Energy prepares to act on the first applicants queued up for permission to export LNG to countries without Free Trade Agreements with the US. More than 380 public comments signed by over 30,000 people came into the DOE’s office by January 24 in response to the controversial NERA Economic Consulting report favoring LNG exports. The agency even had to grant an extension until January 27 to accommodate the overflow of interest. A follow-up period for rebuttal is underway and will close on February 25, clearing the way for the DOE to start issuing non-FTA licenses as early as March. The divisions on the issue are evidenced in the relatively equal split of comments for and against exports. Download here