Federal Energy Regulatory Commission staff said it will issue an environmental assessment (EA) for Kinder Morgan Louisiana Pipeline LLC’s Sabine Pass Expansion Project on July 28, setting a 90-day authorization deadline of Oct. 26 [CP17-22]. The project includes modifications of existing facilities and construction/operation of new facilities in Cameron, Evangeline and Acadia Parishes in Louisiana in order to serve Cheniere Energy Inc.‘s Sabine Pass liquefied natural gas export terminal. Construction is proposed to begin in April 2018 for in-service by April 1, 2019.

On the occasion of U.S.-sourced cargos of liquefied natural gas (LNG) arriving in the Netherlands (northwest Europe’s first such cargo) and in Poland, its first from the United States, Energy Secretary Rick Perry touted the outlook for growing exports of LNG. The U.S. is expected to become the world’s third-largest LNG supplier by 2020, he said. “The United States will act,” he said, reiterating a speech made earlier this year. “We will become a dominant energy force, using our research, development, and delivery capabilities. We will reassure the energy security of our allies and partners around the world, acting as a force for good in an environment of uncertainty.” Meanwhile, it was reported by Reuters that the Philippines is planning to build a $2 billion facility to receive imported LNG and an associated power plant. Quoting Philippines Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi, Reuters said the terminal could be completed by 2020.