Short-Term LNG Export Authorizations Dropped in Federal Deregulatory Blitz

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) will no longer issue separate authorizations for short-term liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports, which now are to be covered by long-term licenses, according to a policy change that took effect on Tuesday. 

The move comes only days before President-elect Biden is to be sworn in and come as part of a last minute push by the Trump administration to clear regulatory hurdles for the LNG industry. 

“This policy is a sensible and concrete way DOE can remove unnecessary regulatory burdens for LNG exporters,” said Secretary Dan Brouillette. The deregulatory measure, according to DOE, would lead to “administrative efficiency” and cut out a “duplicative requirement” for LNG exports to have authorization for both short- and long-term...