Trump’s ‘energy emergency’ could fast-track massive expansion of Plaquemines LNG export terminal
- Plaquemines LNG is seeking a multi-billion-dollar expansion under a fast-tracked permitting process due to a national energy emergency declared by President Trump.
- The expansion could more than double the terminal's size from nearly 590 acres to about 1,220 acres, making it the largest LNG export terminal in North America.
- Environmentalists warn that the expedited review could harm wetlands and waterways, with estimates suggesting damage to up to 470 acres of wetlands.
- The expansion is projected to increase the terminal's production capacity from about 1.4 trillion cubic feet of gas per year to around 2.3 trillion.
- Some Louisiana leaders support the expansion, citing potential economic benefits and job creation.
Less than two years after opening, the Plaquemines LNG terminal near New Orleans is seeking a multi-billion-dollar expansion under a new emergency permitting process established by the Trump administration. This process shortens environmental reviews and may weaken protections for surrounding wetlands and waterways.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has granted fast-tracked permitting for the expansion, which could more than double the terminal's size, making it the largest LNG export terminal in North America. Environmentalists have raised concerns that this expedited review could reduce scrutiny of construction activities in an area already facing significant land loss.
The expansion is projected to increase the terminal's production capacity significantly, with some Louisiana leaders supporting the project for its potential economic benefits. However, critics argue that it contradicts the rationale for declaring an energy emergency, as much of the gas exported is sent overseas, particularly to Europe.
特朗普的“能源紧急状态”可能加速Plaquemines LNG出口终端的大规模扩展
在开业不到两年后，位于新奥尔良附近的Plaquemines LNG终端正在寻求在特朗普政府建立的新紧急审批程序下进行数十亿美元的扩展。该程序缩短了环境审查时间，并可能削弱对周围湿地和水道的保护。
美国陆军工程兵团已批准该扩展的快速审批，这可能使终端的面积大幅增加，从而使其成为北美最大的LNG出口终端。环保人士对这一加速审查表示担忧，认为这可能减少对已经面临重大土地损失地区的建设活动的审查。
此次扩展预计将显著提高终端的生产能力，一些路易斯安那州的领导人支持该项目，认为其可能带来经济利益。然而，批评者认为，这与宣布能源紧急状态的理由相矛盾，因为大部分出口的天然气是运往海外，特别是欧洲。