Energy Department Seeking Comments on Proposal to Extend Gas Export Authorizations to Non-FTA Countries

The Department of Energy is seeking comments on a proposal to extend the 20-year term for authorizations of natural gas exports to countries with which the U.S. does not have a free trade agreement, the agency said in a notice. The proposal would cover exports of domestically produced liquefied natural gas, compressed natural gas and compressed gas liquid, and allow for exports to countries with which the U.S. does not have an agreement “requiring national treatment for trade in natural gas,” the Energy Department said. Under the proposal, existing non-FTA “authorization holders” could apply to extend their export terms through Dec. 21, 2050, on a “voluntary opt-in basis,” and the agency would issue future non-FTA export authorizations with a “standard export term” lasting through 2050, unless the applicant requests a shorter term. Comments are due by 4:30 p.m. EDT March 12.