LNG Lawfare: "Pause," Permitting, & Policy for American Gas Exports

Liquefied natural gas (“LNG”) technology has enabled the United States to become the world’s largest exporter of natural gas in recent years, boosting our allies’ energy security and our own domestic economy and trade balance. Some estimates show that U.S. LNG export capacity will almost double over the next several years as facilities currently under construction come online. But LNG has met opposition from those concerned about its environmental impacts – including the Biden Administration, which announced a “pause” on approvals of LNG exports earlier this year.

The clash has made its way into the courts: In July 2024, a federal trial judge stayed the administration’s policy, and in August, the D.C. Circuit rescinded FERC’s previous authorization of two LNG projects on the Texas coast due to alleged deficiencies in its environmental analysis. Our panel of experts discussed these recent policies and rulings, along with the broader implications of American LNG for energy security and international environmental efforts.

Featuring:

Gabriel Collins, Baker Botts Fellow in Energy & Environmental Regulatory Affairs, Baker Institute for Public Policy, Rice University
Spencer Churchill, Associate, Winston & Strawn LLP
Moderator: Daniel G. West, Director, SCF Partners

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As always, the Federalist Society takes no position on particular legal or public policy issues; all expressions of opinion are those of the speaker.