Louisiana expands LNG exports as Trump fast-tracks new terminal permits
A new liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal is moving forward in southwest Louisiana, adding to the state’s growing LNG footprint as federal and state officials push for more fossil fuel infrastructure.
Tristan Baurick reports for Grist.
In short:
- Venture Global plans to build a second LNG export terminal, CP2, near its existing Calcasieu Pass facility in Cameron Parish, after receiving a federal export permit.
- The Trump administration has approved five LNG-related projects since lifting former President Biden’s pause on new LNG permits, citing energy security and economic benefits.
- Local residents and environmental groups report extensive pollution, health risks, and economic harm to fisheries, while LNG export growth raises concerns over long-term climate impacts.
Key quote:
“It has been damaging to our coast, damaging to our air quality and our water quality. It's destroyed property values [and] it's certainly damaging to our health.”
— Anne Rolfes, director of the Louisiana Bucket Brigade
Why this matters:
The surge in U.S. LNG infrastructure along the Gulf Coast reflects a global race to supply natural gas to markets in Europe and Asia. While proponents argue this bolsters economic growth and energy security, the environmental and health impacts are mounting. LNG production and export terminals can significantly degrade air and water quality, largely through frequent flaring and emissions that expose nearby residents to cancer-causing chemicals and respiratory hazards. Communities in Louisiana’s coastal parishes are already facing increased risks from pollution, habitat loss, and climate-driven sea level rise. Expanding fossil fuel exports also deepens global reliance on carbon-intensive energy. As both federal and state governments double down on LNG, residents and environmental advocates face steep challenges in mitigating the consequences.
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