Jan. 4 Deadline Set for LNG Exports Comments; GLLC Sees Big Benefits, Few Impacts
The Energy Department Office of Fossil Energy set a Jan. 4 deadline for filings on Gulf LNG Liquefaction's application for authorization to export up to 11.5 million tons per annum (mtpa) of domestically produced liquefied natural gas over a 20-year period. The LNG would be exported from the Gulf LNG Energy, LLC Terminal in Pascagoula, Miss. Filings could include protests, motions to intervene, notices of intervention, and written comments, it said in a Federal Register notice scheduled for Nov. 5.
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They can be sent to fergas@hq.doe.gov or to U.S. Department of Energy (FE-34), Office of Natural Gas Regulatory Activities, Office of Fossil Energy, P.O. Box 44375, Washington, DC 20026-4375. Further information: Larine Moore, 202-586-9478,
In its application, GLLC said it doesn't expect the Export Project to mean more vessel traffic to or from the facility than currently authorized for the existing import facility. GLLC requests authorization to export LNG on its own behalf and as agent for other parties who themselves hold title to the LNG at the time of export.
GLLC said it's aware of the debate over whether LNG exports will cause price increases in the domestic market that run counter to the public interest. To address those concerns, GLLC commissioned Navigant Consulting to do a study of the potential impact to domestic supply and prices that might result from LNG exports. GLLC said the study indicated that even in case of high demand combined with high exports the impact on domestic prices over the term of the requested authorization would be minimal. It also said Navigant concluded that LNG exports will actually encourage a more reliable and stable domestic natural gas market.
A second Economic Impact Assessment Study by Navigant said the GLLC Export Project will create material economic benefits in the Southeast region where the Export Project is to be located. GLLC also said that because development of the GLLC Export Project will take place wholly within a brownfield development area, the environmental impacts of the project will be minimal.