In a bold demonstration of U.S. energy policy under President Donald Trump, Cabinet members celebrated the planned expansion of a liquefied natural gas (LNG) facility in southeast Louisiana on Thursday. The facility, operated by petrochemical firm Venture Global in Port Sulphur, is set to undergo an $18 billion expansion aimed at boosting LNG exports to Europe and Asia.
Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, addressing a crowd of enthusiastic workers, described the expansion as a clear signal of Trump’s commitment to advancing U.S. energy dominance. “The prior administration had a full-on attack against U.S. energy,” Burgum asserted, referencing the previous administration’s stance on fossil fuels. “President Trump is fighting for you every day because he believes that we have U.S. energy dominance.”
Alongside Burgum, Energy Secretary Chris Wright — a former fossil fuel executive — echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the administration’s focus on expanding U.S. oil and gas production. Wright, who has been a staunch opponent of efforts to combat climate change, underscored the administration’s goal to “unleash American energy, unleash American business, and unleash the American spirit.”
The announcement comes as part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to reverse policies set under President Joe Biden, including measures to regulate fossil fuel production. In contrast to Biden’s recent push to pause the approval of new LNG export facilities, the Trump administration is focused on expediting such projects, including granting export authorization for a massive LNG facility in southwest Louisiana.
Despite some concerns from critics like former Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm, who warned that unrestrained LNG exports could drive up domestic prices and contribute to rising greenhouse gas emissions, Burgum remained optimistic. “We can absolutely do both — we can sell energy to our friends and allies, and we can lower the cost at home,” he told reporters, dismissing Granholm’s concerns.
Venture Global, which went public earlier this year, has faced financial setbacks, with its stock price dropping more than a third following news of declining LNG exports. However, CEO Michael Sabel expressed confidence in the company’s future, citing the planned expansion of its facilities in Cameron Parish, southwest Louisiana. The new facility, which would export 20 million tons of LNG annually, is expected to generate up to 8.5 million tons of greenhouse gas emissions.
While the expansion is celebrated by some as a sign of America’s renewed strength in global energy markets, it has also sparked local concerns. Environmental and safety groups in southwest Louisiana have raised alarms over the company’s operations, including a history of permit violations at the existing Cameron Parish facility. In 2022, Venture Global was cited for over 2,000 violations, primarily related to excessive flaring and non-reporting of infractions, according to the environmental group Louisiana Bucket Brigades. State officials had previously ordered the company to comply with regulations or face penalties.
In response, Sabel defended Venture Global’s record, emphasizing the company’s commitment to adhering to environmental standards. “We are very meticulous in meeting and satisfying all the standards,” Sabel stated, adding that the company maintains open communication with regulators and local authorities.
As the debate over the expansion continues, the future of the Venture Global facility remains a focal point in the ongoing national conversation about U.S. energy policy, environmental impact, and global export ambitions.
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