### The Complex Landscape of US LNG Exports: Harmonizing Environmental Concerns and Economic Interests
The recent authorization for New Fortress Energy to export liquefied natural gas (LNG) from the Altamira floating LNG terminal reminds us that the dynamics of LNG exports in the United States are both multifaceted and subject to significant policy scrutiny.
#### Regulatory Measures and Historical Context
In January of this year, the Biden administration introduced a temporary “pause” on the processing of new LNG export permits, citing the need to update the analysis of LNG exports. This decision was driven by concerns over the current economic and environmental analyses being roughly five years old, lacking adequate consideration for rising energy costs for American consumers and manufacturers, as well as the evolving understanding of greenhouse gas emissions’ impact on global energy markets. The pause, while initially stopping all new approvals, did not affect existing terminals or projects already in operation or with approved authorizations.
#### The New Fortress Authorization
On September 3, the Department of Energy (DOE) approved a five-year term for New Fortress Energy’s Altamira floating LNG export terminal to re-export up to 0.4 billion cubic feet per day (bcfd) of US-sourced natural gas as LNG to non-Free Trade Agreement (FTA) countries. This authorization does not increase the total export volume but significantly expands the export capacity to non-FTA nations, including key allies in Europe, by approximately 3%. The key market for this approved project is expected to be Latin America, with significant downstream operations in Brazil and Jamaica.
The DOE emphasized that this approval is restricted to the short to medium term and does not preclude New Fortress from seeking further extensions based on updated records, potentially out to 2050.
#### Legal Challenges and Industry Impact
Despite the recent authorization, the DOE’s pause on new export permits remains in place. Industry groups and attorneys general from 16 Republican states have challenged the pause in court