PORT SULPHUR, La. (AP) – The planned expansion of a substantial liquefied natural gas (LNG) facility in southeast Louisiana represents a significant component of a U.S. energy policy aimed at bolstering oil and gas exports during President Donald Trump's administration, as emphasized by two Cabinet members during a rally on Thursday. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum remarked on the administration's commitment, stating, "President Trump is fighting for you every day and he’s fighting because he believes that we have U.S. energy dominance." This statement was made at the Venture Global LNG facility in Port Sulphur, which plans an $18 billion expansion to facilitate LNG exports to Europe and Asia.
Burgum was accompanied by Energy Secretary Chris Wright, and together they launched the National Energy Dominance Council, designed to promote U.S. oil and gas production while rolling back environmental regulations established under President Joe Biden’s administration. Wright, a fossil fuel executive known for his opposition to climate change initiatives, asserted his intention to further Trump's agenda with a focus on "unleashing American energy, unleashing American business, and unleashing the American spirit."
They dismissed concerns raised by former Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm, who cautioned that unlimited LNG exports could lead to higher domestic wholesale prices and increased greenhouse gas emissions—a position supported by findings in a Department of Energy report. Granholm served under Biden, who last year attempted to pause the approval of new LNG exports, contrasting Trump's administration, which has actively approved more export facilities, including another major LNG project in southwest Louisiana.
Venture Global, which became publicly traded in January 2025, saw a significant drop in its stock price, losing over a third of its value following a report of declining revenue due to reduced LNG export volumes. CEO Michael Sabel expressed confidence that the company would recover as it progresses with its ambitious expansion plans. In addition to the current facility, Venture Global is seeking approval for an adjacent LNG export terminal in Cameron Parish, capable of exporting 20 million tons annually. However, this new facility is projected to generate up to 8.5 million tons of greenhouse gas emissions, according to its air quality permit application pending with the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality.
Burgum celebrated the expansion, stating it signals that "America is back in business building export facilities to help Americans and help our allies." He emphasized that such progress occurs when government regulation is minimized. Despite this optimistic outlook, community groups in southwest Louisiana have consistently raised environmental and safety issues regarding Venture Global's operations. Critics point to the company's history of permit violations, with over 2,000 reported in its first year, which included excessive flaring and failure to report infractions, as per analysis from the environmental group Louisiana Bucket Brigades.
In June 2023, state officials mandated that Venture Global comply with environmental regulations or face penalties for non-compliance. John Allaire, an environmental activist and former oil company engineer, continues to monitor alarming levels of flaring and chemical emissions from the firm's operations. In defense, Sabel argued that Venture Global is diligent in meeting regulatory standards and has not exceeded pollution limits on an annual basis, claiming continuous communication with regulators and local authorities.
