FERC Set to Issue Decision On CP2 LNG at June Meeting

Washington, DC - Yesterday, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission announced that CP2 LNG is on the agenda for its June meeting, in the midst of robust and ongoing frontline and national opposition to the gas export project. Evidence shows that expanded gas exports would be harmful to local communities, significantly contribute to dangerous climate change, and raise domestic energy prices.   

Proposed by Venture Global, CP2 LNG is estimated to have lifecycle annual greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to about 20 times the annual emissions of the Willow Project, more than 42 million gas-powered cars, or 46 coal-fired power plants. The facility would be located adjacent to the existing Venture Global Calcasieu Pass LNG facility and two miles from the proposed Commonwealth LNG facility. The Calcasieu Pass facility has already exposed the surrounding community to dangerous air pollution well in excess of permit limits in over 130 incidents since it began operations in 2022. Fishermen have reported a dramatic impact on their livelihoods since the commencement of Calcasieu Pass operations, highlighting the severe negative impact of gas exports on the local economy and environment.

In reaction, Sierra Club and Gulf Coast groups released the following statements: 

Roishetta Sibley Ozane, Founder and Executive Director of the Vessel Project of Louisiana, said: “If approved, CP2 LNG would not only contribute to the pollution of our air and water, but it would also have a devastating impact on marginalized communities. The construction of this massive facility on acres of wetlands would result in the loss of livelihood for our fishermen. It is crucial that the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission prioritize the well-being of the people and communities affected and not succumb to pressure from Venture Global LNG and a few Louisiana elected officials. CP2 is not welcomed in my community and I’ll fight as hard as I can to keep it out.”

Cathy Collentine, Sierra Club Beyond Dirty Fuels Director, said: “FERC must make the obvious choice to reject Venture Global’s application for authorization to construct and operate CP2. An approval of CP2 would represent a blatant disregard for the broad economic and community harms that will result from this gas export facility proposed by a company with an egregious pollution track record. If FERC is not prepared to reject this potentially disastrous project, it should pull down consideration of CP2 until after its newly confirmed commissioners are caught up to speed. The world does not need, nor can communities, consumers, or the climate afford, being locked into decades of additional gas exports.”

James Hiatt, Director of For a Better Bayou, said: “Venture Global has already proven to be an unreliable and unscrupulous company, as evidenced by its inability to maintain compliance with environmental standards and its deceptive practices, including its unwillingness to deliver even a single shipment to its customers. Given Venture Global’s track record of broken promises and environmental damage, it is clear that the company cannot be trusted to manage yet another export terminal responsibly. 

“FERC must outright deny the CP2 project to prevent further harm to the community, the environment, and the local economy. If Chairman Willie Phillips really cares about environmental justice, here's another opportunity to prove it. The approval of another export terminal by Venture Global would not align with FERC's principles of ensuring safe, secure, and economically efficient energy services. Authorizing CP2 would compound the existing issues, including increased pollution, economic devastation, threats to public health, and the destruction of habitat and the local ways of life. FERC has a duty to protect the public interest and the well-being of communities by rejecting this ill-conceived project.”

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