Biden LNG pause poses major risk, says CEO of U.S. exporter

Freeport LNG chief voices concern that a lengthier process could derail projects

Freeport LNG exports roughly a fifth of total U.S. LNG outflow. (Freeport LNG)

RYOSUKE HANAFUSA, Nikkei staff writer

March 23, 2024 22:10 JST

HOUSTON, Texas -- The liquefied natural gas industry has criticized the Biden administration for pausing export permits on LNG as uncertainties arise for developers planning massive amounts of investment.

Major U.S. exporter Freeport LNG's Chief Executive Officer Michael Smith said Wednesday in an interview on the sidelines of the CERAWeek energy conference in Houston that "you won't get this resolved till after the presidential elections" in November.