*

Decision paves way for 100 mln tons a year of new US LNG

exports

by 2031

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Cheniere, Commonwealth LNG, Energy Transfer ( ET ) aim to go

ahead with

projects

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Six other LNG plants could get financial go-aheads in next

2

years - analyst

By Curtis Williams

HOUSTON, Jan 21 (Reuters) - Three companies developing

liquefied natural gas (LNG) projects in Texas and Louisiana said

they will move full speed ahead with their plans after U.S.

President Donald Trump lifted the previous administration's

freeze on export permits.

Trump's executive order effectively reversed a pause on

permits for new projects that former President Joe Biden put in

place in early 2024 to study the environmental and economic

effects of the booming export industry.

Trump's decision could pave the way for almost 100 million

metric tons per annum (MTPA) of additional LNG by 2031 by

projects that are significantly advanced, further cementing the

U.S. as the world's largest exporter of LNG.

"We remain full speed ahead on our current and future

expansion projects and are confident that we will secure all

necessary regulatory approvals," said Cheniere Energy's

Director of Communications Bernardo Fallas.

Top U.S. LNG exporter Cheniere Energy has been awaiting an

export license for its 3 MTPA midscale 8 and 9 expansion project

in Texas.

Commonwealth LNG, which has waited longer than any other

company for its permit, wants to build a 9.5 MTPA export plant

in Louisiana to sell to countries that do not have a free trade

agreement with the U.S., said Trump's decision was in the

public's best interest.

The company "is focused on building a world-class LNG

export facility," a spokesman said.

Energy Transfer ( ET ) also welcomed the decision. It

had an export license for its 15.5 MTPA facility in Louisiana

but needed a new permit after the Energy Department refused an

extension of its license due to delays in completing

construction.

"We look forward to the Department of Energy swiftly

moving forward with authorizing new LNG export facilities

including our Lake Charles LNG export facility," company

spokesperson Vicki Granado said.

Six other plants could get the financial go-ahead in the

first two years of the Trump administration, said Alex Munton,

director of global gas and LNG research at consulting firm

Rapidan Energy Group.

The Biden administration's study found U.S. natural gas

supply is sufficient to meet domestic demand for the fuel and

global demand for U.S. LNG. But in an unconstrained LNG export

scenario, domestic gas prices would rise 31% in 2050, it found,

which would raise natural gas bills for U.S. households by more

than $100 a year with prices varying by region.

Friends of the Earth on Tuesday said Trump's decision will

accelerate the climate crisis and drive up gas prices by sending

supplies abroad.