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The Federal Regulatory Energy Commission (FERC) has pulled their authorization to construct the CP2 LNG export facility, requiring an additional environmental review of air quality impact. The order comes in response to a request for rehearing filed by For a Better Bayou, Fishermen Involved in Sustaining Our Heritage (FISH), and other impacted commercial fishermen and landowners which highlighted significant errors in FERC’s authorization of the facility.
CP2, approved by FERC earlier this year, is a liquified natural gas (LNG) export terminal proposed by Venture Global in Cameron Parish, Louisiana that could emit greenhouse gasses equivalent to 1.8 million gasoline-powered cars — more than the total number of vehicles registered in the entire state. The facility would be located adjacent to the existing Venture Global Calcasieu Pass LNG facility and two miles from the proposed Commonwealth LNG facility. CP2 is sited for an area that has more low-income residents than 88% of the country.
Earthworks’ investigations have documented extensive emissions including methane pollution from LNG export terminals in Louisiana, with little response from state regulators, undercutting the fossil fuel industry’s argument that LNG can play a constructive role in the energy transition. The Calcasieu Pass facility has already exposed the surrounding community to dangerous air pollution well in excess of permit limits in over 130 incidents since it began operations in 2022. Fishermen have reported a dramatic impact on their livelihoods since the commencement of Calcasieu Pass operations, highlighting the severe negative impact of gas exports on the local economy and environment.
Optical gas imaging (OGI) captures emissions at Venture Global’s Calcasieu Pass LNG site in coastal southwest Louisiana.
“Through the lenses of optical gas imaging, we’ve seen massive plumes of toxic emissions, undeniable proof that these projects poison the air we breathe,” said James Hiatt, director of For a Better Bayou. “Modeling must use the latest data from the most local sources to fully capture the harm these facilities inflict on Cameron Parish. Anything less is a betrayal of our community. FERC must choose justice over profit and stop sacrificing people for polluters.”
If FERC follows the science and listens to impacted communities, there is only one logical decision for them to make following the environmental review: to reject the CP2 LNG facility.
