US Liquefied Natural Gas Terminals Recklessly Violate Pollution Limits: Report
A shocking new report has found that all operational liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminals in the US have consistently flouted federal pollution limits over the past few years. The analysis of public records reveals that these facilities, which are key to meeting President Biden's ambitious goal to increase domestic LNG exports, are putting the environment at risk.
According to the Environmental Integrity Project, a non-profit research organization, the LNG industry often presents itself as environmentally friendly, but companies do not consistently comply with air and water pollution control laws. The report's findings were confirmed by data from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and state governments, which show that all seven fully operational LNG terminals in the US have been in noncompliance with the Clean Air Act for at least one quarter between October 2022 and July 2025.
Some of these facilities, including Sabine Pass and Calcasieu Pass terminals in Louisiana, have consistently breached air pollution standards under the Clean Air Act since 2022. The Freeport LNG terminal in Texas has been hit with significant fines after a major explosion in June 2022 forced the facility to shut down for eight months.
The report also highlights that five of these facilities were in noncompliance with the Clean Water Act during the same period, with four terminals breaching water pollution regulations for at least two quarters. This includes cases where companies have been fined for releasing excessive amounts of bacteria, zinc, oil, and other pollutants into nearby waterways.
Despite these findings, some LNG terminal operators are still seeking authorization to expand their facilities in the coming years. Venture Global, which operates Calcasieu Pass terminal, is planning to build two new terminals nearby, despite being in noncompliance with air pollution standards for three consecutive years.
Critics argue that this reckless disregard for environmental regulations will have devastating consequences, including increased greenhouse gas emissions and harm to local communities. "In a sane world, we would stop permitting any more gas export facilities right now, immediately," said Anne Rolfes, executive director of the Louisiana Bucket Brigade, which opposes fossil fuel development.
The rapid growth of the LNG industry is likely to further exacerbate climate change, as exported LNG emits far more greenhouse gas emissions than coal. A recent study by Robert Howarth, an environmental scientist at Cornell University, found that this was true despite claims made by the fossil fuel industry that it is a cleaner alternative.
As the Biden administration continues to push for increased domestic LNG exports, these findings raise serious questions about the true costs of this policy. With new terminals already under construction and several more proposed, the consequences of allowing the LNG industry to continue operating with such lax environmental controls are too dire to ignore.
A shocking new report has found that all operational liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminals in the US have consistently flouted federal pollution limits over the past few years. The analysis of public records reveals that these facilities, which are key to meeting President Biden's ambitious goal to increase domestic LNG exports, are putting the environment at risk.
According to the Environmental Integrity Project, a non-profit research organization, the LNG industry often presents itself as environmentally friendly, but companies do not consistently comply with air and water pollution control laws. The report's findings were confirmed by data from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and state governments, which show that all seven fully operational LNG terminals in the US have been in noncompliance with the Clean Air Act for at least one quarter between October 2022 and July 2025.
Some of these facilities, including Sabine Pass and Calcasieu Pass terminals in Louisiana, have consistently breached air pollution standards under the Clean Air Act since 2022. The Freeport LNG terminal in Texas has been hit with significant fines after a major explosion in June 2022 forced the facility to shut down for eight months.
The report also highlights that five of these facilities were in noncompliance with the Clean Water Act during the same period, with four terminals breaching water pollution regulations for at least two quarters. This includes cases where companies have been fined for releasing excessive amounts of bacteria, zinc, oil, and other pollutants into nearby waterways.
Despite these findings, some LNG terminal operators are still seeking authorization to expand their facilities in the coming years. Venture Global, which operates Calcasieu Pass terminal, is planning to build two new terminals nearby, despite being in noncompliance with air pollution standards for three consecutive years.
Critics argue that this reckless disregard for environmental regulations will have devastating consequences, including increased greenhouse gas emissions and harm to local communities. "In a sane world, we would stop permitting any more gas export facilities right now, immediately," said Anne Rolfes, executive director of the Louisiana Bucket Brigade, which opposes fossil fuel development.
The rapid growth of the LNG industry is likely to further exacerbate climate change, as exported LNG emits far more greenhouse gas emissions than coal. A recent study by Robert Howarth, an environmental scientist at Cornell University, found that this was true despite claims made by the fossil fuel industry that it is a cleaner alternative.
As the Biden administration continues to push for increased domestic LNG exports, these findings raise serious questions about the true costs of this policy. With new terminals already under construction and several more proposed, the consequences of allowing the LNG industry to continue operating with such lax environmental controls are too dire to ignore.
. We gotta wake up, man! These terminals are literally spewing pollution everywhere and it's gonna affect our future generations 
. I mean, I get it, gas exports might bring in some cash, but at what cost? The health of our communities, the quality of our air and water... it's not worth it, fam 
. We need stricter regulations ASAP!
I was just thinking about our school's sustainability project in environmental science class and this news is just on a whole other level 
Like what even is wrong with these companies? Can't they see that all their pollution is, like, destroying the planet?! 
. I mean, we're supposed to be doing everything we can to combat climate change, but instead it sounds like some major polluters are getting a free pass 
. The fact that all these LNG terminals have been flouting pollution limits is just insane - it's like they think the government won't notice or care 
. And now there are new facilities being built and proposed, which is just terrifying for our environment and local communities 
. Don't they know that's not exactly sustainable? I mean, we're already dealing with crazy climate stuff - do we really need more of it? 
It's time for the government and corporations to step up their game and prioritize sustainability over profits 
. It's not just about saving the planet, it's about making sure future generations can breathe easy 
. We owe it to ourselves, our kids, and the planet 
I'm not sure if it's entirely fair to call out the entire LNG industry as "reckless" 
. I mean, we all want to meet our energy demands and support the economy, but can't we find a way to do that without harming our environment? 
It seems like a no-brainer to me. 
. Venture Global's plan to build new terminals despite being in noncompliance with air pollution standards is just concerning 
. Maybe we need more support for these facilities to become more environmentally friendly instead of just shoving them through without checks? 
. We need to take a step back, reevaluate our priorities, and figure out how to balance economic growth with sustainability 
.
the consequences will be devastating, like increased greenhouse gas emissions and harm to local communities 
like whats next gonna be us dumping toxic sludge into our national parks?! 
its not even about the enviro impact, its about the fact that these companies r getting away with literally anything they want and we just shrug it off 
. the science is clear, lng is a climate disaster waiting to happen, but who cares right? 
. It's like they're trying to poison our planet and get away with it 
about the whole 'LNG being eco-friendly' thing. The report is super clear: these terminals are spewing pollution like it's nobody's business 
. And what really gets me is that some companies are still pushing for new expansions despite being in non-compliance 
. We can't just keep pretending like LNG is some kind of magical solution to our environmental problems 
. It's time for a reality check and to take action 
.
.
. We need to hold these companies accountable and demand real change 
. No more excuses, no more delays - it's time for action 
.
. We need to get our priorities straight and focus on reducing emissions, not just exporting more gas 
. Something needs to change, and fast 
.
Have you guys looked into what kind of impact this has on local communities and the environment? We can't just rely on some executive director's opinion without seeing the data ourselves. 