US Department of Energy resumes LNG export licenses suspended in 2024

On Monday, the US Department of Energy announced that it would begin reviewing applications for permits to export liquefied natural gas (LNG) to countries without free trade agreements with the United States. In 2024, the administration of former President Joe Biden put the process on hold because of climate concerns. However, Donald Trump, who succeeded him as head of the country, has revised this policy. Trump plans to triple US LNG exports by 2030, Reuters reports.

At the beginning of this week, Tala Goudarzi of the Department of Energy presented the findings of a study assessing the impact of a potential increase in US LNG export capacity. The study found that increased gas production could harm the climate and raise household energy prices. However, gas supplies remain a key element in supporting the American economy and ensuring the country's energy security. This proves the need to boost the US gas production, the ministry concludes.

Among the projects awaiting agency approval, Reuters lists Energy Transfer's Louisiana-based plant and two Cheniere Energy facilities in Texas.