FERC launches permitting reviews for two major Texas LNG expansion projects
Federal regulators have opened the review and permitting process for two large LNG export projects on the Texas Gulf Coast, one expanding an existing plant near the Louisiana border and the other a new build near Mexico.
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission this week authorized separate pre-filing reviews for two Texas LNG initiatives: the Port Arthur LNG North Project in Jefferson County and the Coastal Bend LNG Project in San Patricio County. Combined, the proposals would provide an additional 46.2 million tons per year of liquefied natural gas for export, augmenting the United States' record 111 million-ton export level in 2025.
Houston-based Sempra Infrastructure seeks to boost capacity by 27 million tons near Beaumont, arguing that early-2030s demand will exceed supply. Coastal Bend LNG LLC, partnering with Enbridge, intends to add 19.2 million tons at the existing Ingleside Energy Center and will employ carbon-capture and sequestration technology to reduce emissions. The projects qualify for an expedited review under Title 41 of the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation Act, with formal applications expected by March 2027 for Coastal Bend and July 2027 for Sempra.
Why it matters
The approvals could significantly increase U.S. LNG export capacity, affecting global energy markets and climate considerations.
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