DOE Proposes Change to LNG Export Approval Procedures

The Energy Department (DOE) says it intends to change its procedures related to the approval of facilities to export liquefied natural gas (LNG) to non-free trade agreement (FTA) countries. Under the new procedures, DOE would no longer issue conditional approvals while the application awaits a decision on environmental impact by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). The agency would also process applications in the order they become ready, rather than any predetermined order of precedence. Comments are due July 21.