Permitting of US LNG: back on track?

The US Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's (FERC) authorization of Calcasieu Pass LNG on 21 February 2019 was the first approval of a major US LNG project in more than two years. Although the outcome reached was described as a breakthrough on LNG certificate orders, not all Commissioners were in agreement. Commissioner LaFleur concurred with the Order but expressed disappointment that a more extensive assessment of greenhouse gas emissions had been excluded. For broadly the same reasons, Commissioner Glick dissented. In its 21 February press release, FERC said it could now move forward efficiently with the twelve other LNG projects for which approvals are pending. But the current composition of the Commission leaves uncertainty. The pace of future approvals could hinge on how soon a fifth commissioner is appointed.