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LNG Terminal Expansion Sparks Environmental Fears
13 Aug
Summary
- Plaquemines LNG seeks $18 billion expansion.
- Expedited permits may harm wetlands and waterways.
- Facility could become North America's largest LNG terminal.
A liquefied natural gas terminal near New Orleans, Plaquemines LNG, is pursuing a multi-billion-dollar expansion. This development is utilizing a fast-tracked permitting process declared under a "national energy emergency," which critics contend weakens environmental reviews. The expansion aims to more than double the facility's size, potentially making it the largest LNG export terminal in North America.
Environmental advocates are raising alarms that the expedited process could lead to reduced oversight for dredging and wetland impacts. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers estimates the $18 billion expansion could affect up to 470 acres of wetlands in Plaquemines Parish, an area already experiencing significant land loss due to subsidence and sea-level rise.
The emergency declaration could accelerate numerous other energy projects, fueling the booming U.S. LNG industry. Critics question how expanding exports aligns with stated goals of boosting domestic energy independence, pointing out that much of Plaquemines LNG's output goes overseas. The terminal is also a significant emitter of greenhouse gases, raising concerns about its contribution to climate change, which exacerbates coastal erosion.
Despite environmental concerns, some Louisiana leaders, including U.S. House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, have praised the rapid development and economic potential of such projects. Venture Global, the terminal's owner, plans to employ carbon capture technology to mitigate some emissions from the expanded facility.
