Import Terminals
EXISTING IMPORT TERMINALS
Today, there are 12 U.S. facilities (and one facility in Puerto Rico) capable of importing LNG.
They are located in:
- Everett, Massachusetts
- Cove Point, Maryland
- Elba Island, Georgia
- Lake Charles, Louisiana
- Gulf Gateway Energy Bridge, Gulf of Mexico
- Northeast Gateway, Offshore Boston
- Freeport, Texas
- Sabine, Louisiana
- Hackberry, Louisiana
- Neptune LNG, Offshore Gloucester, Massachusetts
- Sabine Pass, Texas
- Pascagoula, Mississippi
- There is also an export facility in Kenai, Alaska. Natural gas is exported here because without a pipeline or an LNG import terminal on the West Coast, it is impossible to bring the Alaskan natural gas to the lower 48 states for domestic consumption.
View the locations of the existing LNG import/export terminals and locations of approved LNG import/export terminals.
EXISTING EXPORT TERMINALS
At present, the U.S. has one existing LNG export terminal located in Kenai, Alaska. Natural gas is exported here because without a pipeline or an LNG import terminal on the West Coast, it is impossible to bring the Alaskan natural gas to the lower 48 states for domestic consumption.
AUTHORIZED EXPORT TERMINALS
Though the Kenai Peninsula facility is the only U.S. terminal that is currently exporting LNG, three of the LNG import facilities have been authorized to re-export delivered LNG and one has applied for authorization to do so.
The three LNG import facilities authorized to re-export delivered LNG are located in:
- Freeport, Texas
- Sabine, Louisiana
- Hackberry, Louisiana
GOVERNMENT APPROVAL OF LNG IMPORT AND EXPORT TERMINALS
When a company decides to build an LNG import terminal, it goes through a lengthy and comprehensive review and permitting process with federal, state and local governments. Without significant delays, it may take up to several years to bring a new terminal on-line. During this process, from the initial meeting with lead federal regulators, through the rigorous permitting process, to construction and on-going inspections, the LNG terminal developer works closely with the governmental authorities at all levels.
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) is responsible for approvals regarding siting, operation and expansion of onshore LNG import and export terminals, offshore terminals in state waters, and other onshore interstate LNG facilities. The U.S. Coast Guard and Maritime Administration (MARAD) have jurisdiction for siting and operation of all LNG import and export terminals in federal waters. The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration has jurisdiction over pipelines.
POTENTIAL IMPORT/EXPORT TERMINALS
Additionally, developers have indicated a number of other potential sites for new LNG import/export terminals. View the locations of proposed/potential LNG import/export terminals.