News Summary
A Cameron Parish judge has suspended the construction of the Commonwealth LNG export terminal due to environmental concerns regarding compliance with the Louisiana Constitution. Judge Penelope Richard’s ruling emphasizes the negligence in evaluating the terminal’s potential impact on local ecosystems. Environmental groups had urged for a thorough review of the facility’s implications on climate change and community health, leading to this pivotal decision. The permit will remain suspended until further evaluations are conducted by state agencies.
Cameron Parish, Louisiana – A Cameron Parish judge has put a halt to the construction of the Commonwealth LNG export terminal, citing violations of the Louisiana Constitution by state officials who issued a construction permit without taking into account the environmental impact of the facility. Judge Penelope Richard made the ruling on Friday, emphasizing the failure of the Louisiana Department of Conservation and Energy to properly evaluate the potential effects of the project on the surrounding environment.
The Commonwealth LNG facility is one of six liquefied natural gas (LNG) export projects proposed, approved, or currently operating along the coast of Cameron. The construction plans involve disturbing almost 200 acres of wetlands and water bottoms, raising significant environmental concerns among local activists and organizations. Judge Richard highlighted the importance of considering both the secondary and cumulative impacts of existing LNG export terminals on climate change in Louisiana’s coastal zones.
Environmental groups, including the Louisiana Bucket Brigade, Sierra Club, and Turtle Island Restoration Network, filed a lawsuit in August 2024, advocating for a review of the environmental implications of LNG facilities. Following the ruling, activists expressed hope that the decision would prompt a reevaluation of current state practices regarding LNG construction and operations, particularly with respect to air and water quality and the health of local communities.
The permit for Commonwealth LNG will remain suspended until the Office of Coastal Management conducts a thorough evaluation of climate change and environmental justice concerns associated with the project. The state must ensure that the impacts on local communities do not outweigh the benefits provided by the construction of the terminal prior to reissuing the permit.
Previously, the Commonwealth LNG facility has faced legal obstacles. A U.S. Court of Appeals rejected a prior approval from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), citing significant pollution concerns, which led to delays in the construction timeline. The company has since requested an extension from FERC to push back its project start date to December 2031, citing delays caused by the Biden administration’s LNG export license freeze and ongoing legal disputes.
In terms of logistics, the Commonwealth LNG project has received authorization from the U.S. Department of Energy to export up to 1.21 billion cubic feet per day of LNG to countries without free trade agreements. The facility will feature five storage tanks, each with a capacity of 50,000 m³, and will be capable of accommodating vessels with a maximum capacity of 216,000 m³. Technip Energies has been selected to lead the engineering, procurement, and construction for the LNG facility.
The future of the Commonwealth LNG terminal remains uncertain as the company aims to finalize its investment decision by the end of 2025 and has secured several offtake agreements, including a significant 20-year deal with EQT Corp. However, the recent ruling introduces new challenges that could impact the project’s timeline and overall feasibility.
Overall, the recent ruling by Judge Penelope Richard marks a significant step in the fight for environmental oversight regarding LNG projects in Louisiana, as stakeholders await further evaluations and guidance from state agencies. The Commonwealth LNG facility’s future will depend on how state officials address environmental concerns and community impacts in light of this ruling.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Louisiana Illuminator
- Wikipedia: Liquefied Natural Gas
- Wilton Bulletin
- Google Search: Commonwealth LNG
- KPLC 7 News
- Google Scholar: LNG Export Terminals Louisiana
- KFDM News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: LNG
Author: STAFF HERE NEWORLEANS WRITER
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