In the Media

Joseph Fagan was quoted in an article, "LNG projects could face new scrutiny if US invokes 'protect the public' clause," published in S&P Global Market Intelligence. The article discusses whether language in LNG export authorizations that allows the U.S. Department of Energy to reconsider the approvals if it decides later to "protect the public" will again raise concerns as developers weigh what the new administration intends for LNG exports. Fagan told S&P Global Market Intelligence that the Energy Department is likely to "stay the course on LNG exports." That is due in part to cabinet members and nominees who are presumably supportive of "fossil fuel interests," like former Exxon Mobil Corp. CEO Rex Tillerson, who has been sworn in as Secretary of State, and former Texas Gov. Rick Perry, who, if confirmed by the Senate, would head the agency. "Given the regulatory and financial hurdles in getting LNG export projects off the ground, as well as the current glut of global LNG supply, I don't see a scenario over the next three to five years in which the U.S. is exporting too much domestic gas," Fagan said. "Assuming that's the case, I would not expect that DOE would exercise its rescission authority any time soon — especially as it would relate to authorizations that it previously granted."