Media Contact:
Rebekah Staub, Earthworks, rstaub@earthworks.org
WASHINGTON — The Maritime Administration (MARAD) has terminated the deepwater port license application for West Delta LNG, an offshore LNG export terminal proposed off the coast of Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana. The project would have increased greenhouse gas emissions and health-harming air pollution and built a pipeline through marsh wetlands.
The applicant LNG 21 received eight extensions since December 2019, yet still failed to submit a viable project application for federal agencies to begin their review. At the end of 2024, LNG 21’s CEO informed MARAD their delays were caused by “broader challenges in the LNG industry” as reasons for needing more time.
“This decision reflects how, in their rush to make more money, the LNG industry tries to get away with proposals for massive, harmful projects that aren’t even fully planned,” said Kelsey Crane, Senior Policy Advocate at Earthworks. “Expediting LNG export terminals has real consequences for Americans, including costing us more on our energy bills.”
There are three additional applications for “floating” LNG export terminals off the coasts of Texas and Louisiana being considered by MARAD. The West Delta project would have emitted 1,041,670 tons of greenhouse gases each year, 1,609.98 tons of criteria air pollutants each year, and 18,880 pounds of hazardous air pollutants each year.
The Gulf Coast is especially at risk from higher temperatures, rising sea levels, and more intense hurricanes due to the climate crisis, increasing the danger proposed floating LNGs have on infrastructure, workers, environments, and coastal communities. There are no floating LNG export terminals currently operating in the U.S.
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