US federal agencies are following through on President Donald Trump’s executive order to “Unleash American Energy.” The order directs agencies to review all actions potentially burdensome to the development of domestic energy resources, as well as expedite permits for projects an agency deems essential to the nation’s economy or national security.
One of the most important areas where agency reviews and permit expeditions should take place is on the Gulf Coast, specifically with regards to capital intensive LNG export terminals. These facilities contribute to local and state economies by exporting US energy to allies across the world. This strengthens the country’s footing in the geopolitical world order and fortifies those nations’ energy and national security. The Department of Energy (DOE), and its subagencies, should look to expedite and grant any outstanding LNG permits so that the US can utilize its vast resources both at home and abroad.
LNG is a formidable resource to help the US at home, whether that’s terms of national resource diversification, energy and national security, or general economic benefits. Similarly, LNG allows the US to become a leader in fighting against global emissions and a provider of affordable and clean energy alternatives to its allies. Specifically, LNG must be the platform upon which in any trade conversations or deals with the EU thrives.
