Court Ruling Blocks Commonwealth LNG Export Facility in Louisiana

Strategic Insights -

A Louisiana state court has terminated the coastal use permit for the proposed Commonwealth LNG export facility, finding that the Louisiana Department of Energy and Natural Resources (LDENR) violated the Louisiana Constitution by failing to consider the environmental impacts on surrounding communities of color and low-income communities. The court's decision vacates the state coastal use permit, effectively stopping the project's construction unless a new lawful permit is issued that complies with the Louisiana Constitution.

Key Takeaways:

  • The court ruling found that LDENR violated the Louisiana Constitution by issuing the permit without considering its disproportionate effect on surrounding communities of color and low-income communities.
  • The Commonwealth LNG export facility would have permanently destroyed over 75 acres of wetlands in the Calcasieu Pass area, altering hundreds more, with annual greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to 14 coal-fired power plants or 13 million new gasoline-powered vehicles.
  • This is not the first court ruling against Commonwealth LNG, with a U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit rejecting the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's (FERC) authorization for the project in July 2024.
  • The court's decision vacates the state coastal use permit, effectively stopping the project's construction unless a new lawful permit is issued that complies with the Louisiana Constitution.
  • The Louisiana Department of Energy and Natural Resources (LDENR) has been criticized for ignoring the cumulative impact to air and water quality and the health of the local community members and the environment.
  • The facility would have contributed to the loss of hundreds of acres of wetland and habitat for sensitive species, increased flooding, loss of buffer areas from storms, air and water pollution, and increased risks of catastrophic industrial accidents.
  • There are already six LNG export terminals proposed, approved, under construction, or operating in the area, contributing to the environmental degradation and pollution.
  • Local residents and environmental groups have expressed gratitude for the court's ruling, which they see as a victory for the people and the wetlands of Southwest Louisiana.

Statistics:

  • 75 acres of wetlands would have been permanently destroyed in the Calcasieu Pass area.
  • 14 coal-fired power plants or 13 million new gasoline-powered vehicles' annual greenhouse gas emissions equivalent.
  • 500 acres of wetlands already approved for just two neighboring coastal LNG projects.
  • 6 LNG export terminals proposed, approved, under construction, or operating in the area.
  • 100s of acres of wetland and habitat for sensitive species contributed to the loss.
  • Increased risks of catastrophic industrial accidents.
  • 13 million new gasoline-powered vehicles' equivalent annual greenhouse gas emissions.
  • Hundreds of acres of wetland and habitat for sensitive species affected.

Sources:

  • Sierra Club (https://www.sierraclub.org/)
  • Original Press Release (no date provided)