The U.S. Department of Energy has issued a conditional authorization approving the export of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from the Sabine Pass LNG Terminal in Louisiana.
Thousands of construction and natural gas production jobs are expected to be created as a result. This event marks the first long-term authorization to export natural gas as LNG from the lower 48 states.
"Our long term economic strength depends on safely and responsibly harnessing America's domestic energy resources while developing new and innovative clean energy technologies," says U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu. "This project reflects a broad, 'all of the above' approach that will put Americans to work producing the energy the world needs."
Project sponsors expect approximately 3,000 jobs will be created or sustained during the design, engineering, and construction of the project, and an estimated 150 to 250 full-time positions will be required to operate and maintain the Project.
In addition, they estimate 30,000 to 50,000 permanent jobs would be supported in the exploration and production sector associated with natural gas upstream development.
"Cheniere Energy's plan to transform its existing terminal into a facility that can both import and export liquefied natural gas is a precedent-setting breakthrough that will bring substantial economic benefits to southwest Louisiana," says U.S. Senator Mary Landrieu.
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