Overview
- An Environmental Integrity Project analysis of EPA and state records concludes all seven fully operational LNG export terminals breached air permits at least once since 2020, and five also violated water limits.
- Gulf Coast facilities reported more than 400 accidents, excessive flaring and other upsets since 2020 that the report says released over 14,000 tons of unpermitted air toxics and soot.
- Freeport LNG’s 2022 explosion resulted in $493,804 in penalties plus $175,800 in earlier fines, which the watchdog cites as limited deterrence given recurring noncompliance.
- The report highlights weak oversight and transparency, noting failures to submit required monitoring, including Cove Point in Maryland not filing wastewater discharge reports since 2017.
- Despite the compliance record, the administration is expediting LNG approvals as projects already under construction and planned expansions could raise export capacity by roughly 60%, with a DOE study warning of higher U.S. gas prices from increased exports.