The Advocate Reports on LEEP Letter to Biden

Today, the Baton Rouge Advocate wrote the story below about our letter to President Biden outlining concerns with his ban on LNG export permits. The letter was signed by 19 other Louisiana organizations.

ADVOCATE: State groups, One Acadiana, others ask White House to reconsider pause on LNG export projects

Article Excerpt:

The delay could have a seismic effect on the LNG industry, which has been booming in Louisiana since at least 2010, when Cheniere Energy first applied to ship the fuel from its then-planned Sabine Pass terminal in southwest Louisiana. Two other LNG terminals have opened in the state since then, and another is set to wrap up construction this year.

People in Louisiana “will be greatly impacted by this decision” as will the United States and its allies across the globe, the letter indicated. The pause on permit approvals “poses a dire economic threat for Louisiana.”

“The LNG industry is integral to Louisiana’s economy,” it read. “Providing jobs, bolstering economic growth and supporting local communities.”

As of December, 18 LNG export projects were awaiting approval from the Department of Energy to ship to countries with which the U.S. does not have a free trade agreement, federal filings show. Twelve of those 18 projects are in Louisiana.

The industry contributes $4.4 billion to the state’s economy, pays $178 million in tax revenue and supports over 18,000 jobs, the LEEP letter indicated.