U.S. Department of Energy Extends Fourth Set of LNG Export Authorizations Through 2050

The U.S. Department of Energy today extended the terms of five long-term LNG export authorizations through 2050. Today’s actions follow several LNG export term extensions pursuant to an export policy statement DOE finalized in July, 2020.  President Trump announced a policy in July that allows for LNG exports to non-free trade agreement countries to be extended through the year 2050. This was a change in policy from the prior practice of granting 20-year export terms. 

The term extensions issued today extend terms for the Southern LNG export facility operating in Georgia, the Cameron LNG export facility operating in Louisiana, the Annova LNG project proposed in Texas, and Eagle LNG’s two small-scale facilities in Florida, including the Maxville facility currently in operation. 

“The Trump Administration and DOE have delivered on our commitment to ensure that U.S. LNG holds a prominent place in the global energy market,” said U.S. Secretary of Energy Dan Brouillette. “The 2050 policy and subsequent extended authorizations lock in the long-term benefits of U.S. LNG exports and provide yet another way to support the success of U.S. LNG exporters abroad.” 

Including the term extension applications granted today, long-term LNG export authorizations with export terms through 2050 are now held by 18 U.S. LNG export projects, as well as the Costa Azul project in Mexico.

“Just this year, LNG exports from the United States will reduce our trade deficit by over $12 billion and recent export levels have been at all-time highs,” said Deputy Secretary of Energy Mark W. Menezes. “The development of U.S. infrastructure to support our LNG exports has provided thousands of jobs and led to billions of dollars in industry investment, the benefits of which will be sustained by this policy.”