lng export
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Court overturns approval for South Texas LNG export plants
A federal court in Washington, D.C., has invalidated the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's approval of two massive liquefied natural gas export projects in South Texas, citing significant environmental assessment flaws.
Dylan Baddour reports for Inside Climate News and Berenice Garcia reports for The Texas Tribune.
In short:
- The court ruled that FERC failed to properly evaluate the environmental justice, climate and air pollution impacts of the Rio Grande LNG and Texas LNG projects.
- FERC's inadequate review included an insufficient environmental justice analysis and incorrect air pollution data, leading to procedural violations.
- The projects, worth billions, face opposition from local communities and environmental groups but have support from local political leaders.
Key quote:
"We do not see how the Commission could justify its decision to skip those fundamental procedural steps."
— U.S. Court of Appeals for the Washington, D.C. Circuit
Why this matters:
The ruling underscores the importance of thorough environmental impact assessments for large-scale energy projects, emphasizing legal and community concerns. These projects could significantly impact local ecosystems, prompting a broader debate on balancing economic growth with environmental responsibility.
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Plan to build largest US LNG terminal approved by federal commission
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission approved the construction of the largest liquefied natural gas terminal in the U.S., sparking local opposition and potential lawsuits.
In short:
- The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission voted 2-1 to approve the $10 billion Calcasieu Pass 2 project in Louisiana.
- Environmental and community advocates plan to sue, citing concerns over greenhouse gas emissions and local impacts.
- The approval bypassed a Biden administration pause intended to study LNG terminal impacts further.
Key quote:
“We are ready and willing to take it to court.”
— Roishetta Ozane, leader of The Vessel Project of Louisiana
Why this matters:
This decision may significantly increase greenhouse gas emissions, undermining climate goals. The local community faces potential economic and environmental challenges from the terminal's construction.
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Newsletter
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LNG export debate intensifies as Louisiana fishers demand halt
A battle over LNG export expansion heats up as Louisiana fishermen and environmental groups push back against industry influence on federal decisions.
In short:
- The U.S. Department of Energy's pause on LNG export applications has sparked a research competition between industry and academic groups.
- Local fishers and environmental groups argue that LNG expansions disproportionately harm low-income and minority communities, contributing to pollution and climate change.
- A lawsuit from 16 states challenges the Biden administration's halt on LNG projects, claiming it disrupts the industry.
Key quote:
“There is always a concern that DOE would be influenced by an industry-funded report. That is the very nature of the government’s relationship with the fossil fuel industry, which has a long history of producing misleading and inaccurate information.”
— Robin Saha, director of the environmental studies program at the University of Montana
Why this matters:
Louisiana’s vast natural gas reserves have positioned it as a key player in the LNG market, but the expansion of LNG exports poses significant environmental and health risks, especially for vulnerable communities. Proponents of the expansion argue that increasing LNG exports will boost the economy, create jobs, and strengthen the United States' energy independence. However, local fishermen and environmental advocates see a different picture, one marred by potential environmental degradation and the loss of traditional ways of life.
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thenarwhal.ca
Coronavirus forces Wet’suwet’en to explore online talks on rights and title agreement
In-person meetings on unprecedented title agreement postponed as communities prepare for COVID-19 pandemic and Coastal GasLink construction continues.
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