U.S. LNG exports are very near their limit with current infrastructure. About 98 percent of available liquefaction capacity was in use in the fourth quarter of 2021, underscoring the need for project sponsors to move forward with construction of additional LNG export facilities.

Environmental groups have expressed concerns that the increase in the U.S. LNG industry, given that natural gas is a fossil fuel, may contribute to climate change. The March 2022 agreement between the United States and the European Commission recognizes these concerns by requiring the countries to implement clean energy initiatives to reduce overall natural gas consumption. The Russian invasion of Ukraine, however, clearly has made it likely that LNG exports from the United States will remain high.

About the authors

Colette D. Honorable leads the firm’s Energy Regulatory group and is a member of the firm’s executive committee. She is also a member of the firm’s ESG group and is resident in the Washington, D.C., office. Colette is a highly regarded thought leader and strategist in domestic and international energy sectors. Colette recently served as Commissioner at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). She was nominated by President Barack Obama in August 2014, and unanimously confirmed by the U.S. Senate, serving from January 2015 until her term expired in June 2017. At the firm, Colette is a trusted advisor and counselor to several Fortune 500 energy companies, investor-owned utilities, renewable energy and technology companies. In this capacity, she provides strategic advice and counsel in a number of areas, including ratemaking matters, clean energy integration, performance-based ratemaking, achieving ESG goals and environmental justice issues. In her work, Colette supports clients working to mitigate the impacts of climate change, and also advises clients on the development and execution of inclusion strategies.

Debra A. Palmer is based in the Washington, D.C., office. Her practice focuses on energy regulatory matters, with an emphasis on matters involving the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), state public utility commissions, and the federal courts. She has more 30 years of experience with federal regulatory issues facing the energy industry, and has assisted her clients in pursuing their goals before FERC, state regulatory agencies, and the federal appellate courts. Debra advises clients with varied interests in the energy & natural resources sector, including natural gas companies, local distribution companies, oil and gas pipeline companies, and electric utilities. Her ability to understand regulators’ goals and present her clients’ interests accordingly has helped her become a leading advocate for energy firms across the United States. Deb understands the interrelationship between operational, business, and regulatory concerns faced by the energy industry. She has cultivated a deep knowledge in these areas, earning a reputation as a trusted advisor in the planning, operating, financial, regulatory and reliability issues facing the rapidly changing natural gas and electric industries.