DOE Authorizes LNG Exports From Terminal in Medley, Florida

DOE noted it conducted an extensive, careful review of the American LNG application. Among other factors, the department considered the economic, energy security, and environmental impacts and determined that exports at a rate of 0.008 Bcfd for a period of 20 years was not inconsistent with the public interest. Federal law requires approval of natural gas exports to countries that have a Free Trade Agreement with the U.S. For nations that do not, the Natural Gas Act directs DOE to grant export authorizations unless it finds that the proposed exports “will not be consistent with the public interest.”

DOE will continue to act on applications to export LNG from the lower 48 states after the review required by the National Environmental Policy Act, and when the department has sufficient information on which to base a public interest determination. During this time, DOE will continue to monitor any market developments and assess their impact in subsequent public interest determinations as further information becomes available.

DOE comments that the development of U.S. natural gas resources is having a transformative impact on the U.S. energy landscape, helping to improve energy security while spurring economic development and job creation around the country. This increase in natural gas production is expected to continue, with the Energy Information Administration forecasting a record average production rate of 79.06 Bcfd in 2015.