Trump Lifts Moratorium on LNG Export Licenses, Reversing 2024 Freeze

Jan 21, 2025, 02:00 AM

President Donald Trump has issued an executive order lifting the moratorium on new U.S. licenses to export liquefied natural gas (LNG). This directive reverses the freeze implemented by former President Joe Biden in January 2024, which had paused new approvals to study the environmental impact of LNG projects and address climate impact concerns. The order directs the Department of Energy to resume reviewing applications for LNG export permits, signaling a shift in U.S. energy policy toward expanding domestic energy production. The United States, which became the world's largest LNG exporter in 2023, aims to double its LNG export capacity by the end of the decade. The decision is expected to reduce uncertainties for numerous projects supplying LNG to Asia and Europe. Energy Secretary nominee Chris Wright, in a recent statement, emphasized that increasing LNG and nuclear energy production is a top priority for the administration.