Federal energy regulators to review gas export terminals amid DOE's pause

Despite the Department of Energy's recent pause on approvals, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission is set to continue its reviews of natural gas export terminals.

Carlos Anchondo and Zach Bright report for E&E News.

In short:

• The FERC's decision to proceed with evaluations signifies its operational independence, even as the DOE reassesses its stance on liquid natural gas (LNG) export projects.
• Environmental groups and industry observers are closely monitoring FERC's actions, especially in light of recent environmental and energy security concerns.
• The DOE's pause, focusing on a comprehensive review of market, economic, national security, and environmental factors, contrasts with FERC's ongoing project assessments.

Key quote:

"FERC is an independent agency that is supposed to rise above politics."

— Neil Chatterjee, former FERC Chair during the Trump administration.

Why this matters:

FERC's decision to proceed with LNG project reviews amidst the DOE's pause reflects the complexity of national energy policy, directly impacting both environmental health and the broader national energy strategy.

The U.S. has taken the global lead on liquid natural gas production and export, as economic promises and environmental worries collide.