Trump administration’s LNG push raises safety concerns as regulations lag

As U.S. liquefied natural gas exports prepare for a major expansion under Donald Trump’s leadership, safety rules dating back to the Carter era remain in place despite long-standing calls for modernization.

Mike Soraghan reports for E&E News.

In short:

• The incoming Trump administration aims to boost LNG exports, with up to 17 new terminals planned, while outdated safety regulations remain unchanged.
• Federal safety regulators have delayed updates to LNG safety rules for over a decade, despite pressure from Congress and public safety advocates.
• Environmental and community groups fear that current safety measures are insufficient to address potential disasters at large-scale LNG facilities.

Key quote:

“There’s no adequate safety and risk analysis going on.”

— Naomi Yoder, data manager at the Bullard Center for Environmental and Climate Justice at Texas Southern University

Why this matters:

Outdated LNG safety regulations raise concerns about the risks posed by massive export terminals, which store highly flammable gases. As the U.S. increases exports, safety failures could lead to catastrophic events, endangering nearby communities and escalating climate and economic tensions.

Related: US LNG expansion faces hurdles despite federal approval