The U.S. Department of Energy has granted final authorization for the export of liquefied natural gas (LNG) to non-free trade agreement (non-FTA) countries from the Port Arthur LNG Phase II project in Jefferson County, Texas. The approval, signed by Secretary of Energy Chris Wright, follows a public response process related to the 2024 LNG Export Study.

The decision allows the project’s developer, Sempra Energy, to move forward with plans to export up to 1.91 billion cubic feet per day (Bcf/d) of LNG once the facility becomes operational.

Port Arthur LNG Phase II is an extension of the first phase of the project, which is currently under construction and expected to begin exports in 2027. Sempra Energy also operates the Cameron LNG terminal in Louisiana and is building the Energia Costa Azul export terminal in Mexico.

The expansion is expected to strengthen U.S. energy export capacity and support international demand for American natural gas, especially in regions without free trade agreements with the United States.

This is the first final LNG export authorization issued under the current administration. According to the Department of Energy, the approval reinstates a more streamlined permitting process for LNG exports and reflects a broader policy shift aimed at enhancing U.S. energy production and exports.

“Port Arthur LNG Phase II marks a significant expansion, turning more of our domestic natural gas resources into greater energy security for Americans,” said Secretary Wright.

Read: Aramco and Sempra Signs Offtake and Equity Agreement for Port Arthur LNG Phase 2

Broader Energy Context

With this approval, the total LNG export capacity approved under the current administration rises to 11.45 Bcf/d. The Energy Department noted that U.S. LNG exports are playing an increasingly important role in supplying global markets with reliable and affordable energy.

This decision marks the fifth LNG export authorization issued by Secretary Wright and is part of a broader strategy to position the U.S. as a key global supplier of natural gas while advancing domestic energy security.

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