Environmental Groups Sue DOE Over Approval of CP2 LNG Export Application

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WASHINGTON, D.C. — Environmental groups filed a lawsuit today challenging the Department of Energy’s (DOE) approval of Venture Global’s application to export liquefied natural gas (LNG) from a future facility, currently under construction in Louisiana. NRDC is co-counsel with Earthjustice representing Sierra Club, in challenging the export approval based on DOE’s insubstantial analysis of how LNG exports impact domestic energy prices, its failure to consider lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions, and a lack of environmental review.

“We’re suing over DOE’s unlawful approval of this facility that will increase climate-warming pollution and do nothing to lower energy costs for Americans,” said NRDC senior attorney Caroline Reiser. “DOE is using an untested loophole to avoid considering the impacts of this project on Americans’ health and on the environment. The agency also failed to consider how LNG exports could increase U.S. energy prices.”

“The U.S. is the world’s largest exporter of LNG,” said Nathan Mattews, senior attorney at Earthjustice. “By approving CP2 LNG, DOE is adding to the glut of exports that will drive up consumer prices and lock in decades more of fossil fuel reliance around the globe. This is a clear example of an energy project that is not in the public interest. We’ll see DOE in court.”

“The Department of Energy’s finding that the CP2 LNG exports are not counter to public interest is wrong,” said Roddy Hughes, Campaign Organizing Strategist for the Sierra Club. “It’s basic supply and demand. Exporting gas means less domestic supply at the same time that datacenters and extreme weather patterns are increasing the demand for energy. Americans are already struggling under the affordability crisis, and the CP2’s LNG exports will result in even higher energy bills. It is time the government put people over corporate profits.”

BACKGROUND:

If constructed, Venture Global’s Calcasieu Pass 2 (CP2) LNG export terminal would be one of the largest LNG plants in the nation. It would export 20 million metric tons per year of LNG, and the estimated lifecycle greenhouse gas from this methane gas would be more than the annual emissions of 47 million gas-powered cars, or 54 coal-fired power plants. Construction for the project has already been disastrous for the local community of Cameron Parrish, devastating the livelihoods of local fishermen.

Hundreds of climate, environmental justice, public health, faith, and community organizations urged then President Biden and Energy Secretary Granholm to reject Venture Global’s LNG export application. In October 2025, President Trump’s DOE granted the project’s export approval.

About the Sierra Club

The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with millions of members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person’s right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.