Note: Single-source report; awaiting corroboration.
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has ended its pause on liquefied natural gas (LNG) export applications, directing the Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management (FECM) to resume consideration of pending requests to export LNG to countries without a free trade agreement with the United States. This directive aligns with the requirements of the Natural Gas Act, ensuring judicial review of applications, the DOE stated.
Last month, DOE published a multi-volume analysis on LNG export-related issues and initially set February 18, 2025, as the deadline for public comments. To ensure stakeholders have adequate input, the department extended this deadline to March 20, 2025, citing the need for a thorough administrative record.
Acting DOE Secretary Ingrid Kolb has instructed FECM to restore standard processing procedures and to conduct reviews alongside the multi-agency National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) review process. This approach aims to streamline regulatory review and reduce inefficiencies in LNG export application reviews.