Louisiana LNG project could be America’s most polluting gas terminal, and the construction and operation of LNG facilities generate significant amounts of greenhouse gases, most troublingly in the form of methane emissions released from leaking pipelines and storage tanks. In some instances, the total emissions attributable to LNG are estimated to be up to 33% greater than coal (per a Cornell University study).

The United States has become the largest LNG-exporting nation, exporting nearly 15 billion cubic feet per day (bcf/d) in 2024, up from less than 1 bcf/d in 2016. The US Energy Information Administration (EIA) predicts that LNG exports could double by 2030 if new terminals come online. However, this rapid growth has occurred without regard for the associated environmental impact of building new LNG infrastructure.

Why Is the Louisiana LNG Project So Controversial?

With its projected annual greenhouse gas emissions of more than 9.5 million metric tons, the Louisiana LNG project could be America’s most polluting gas terminal. To put that into perspective: the existing Sabine Pass terminal, which already makes it one of the largest industrial polluting facilities in Louisiana, emits approximately 7 million tons of greenhouse gases each year.

The Woodside LNG terminal will be much more than simply another facility; it has the potential to greatly increase the level of industrial emissions. If completed by 2029, it would be among the top industrial polluting facilities, after the CF Industries complex, which emitted 10.4 million metric tons in 2023 (according to EPA data).

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How Does It Compare to Other LNG Projects?

While multiple LNG terminals are planned across the United States, the Louisiana LNG project stands out due to its sheer scale of emissions.

Source: EPA, Environmental Integrity Project

This comparison highlights how the Louisiana LNG project could be America’s most polluting gas terminal, raising serious environmental concerns.

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Economic Gain Against Environmental Cost

The proponents of the project highlight the economic gain associated with the project. Estimated at $18 billion, it will be one of the most significant foreign investments in Louisiana’s history. The construction will bring about:

• Creation of thousands of jobs
• Generation of hundreds of jobs after construction
• Revenue generation for the local economy

Nevertheless, opponents note that the project’s gains will entail high environmental costs. Louisiana is highly susceptible to the adverse effects of global warming. These include:

• Sea-level rise
• Intensification of hurricanes
• Coastal erosion

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Is LNG a Clean Fuel After All?

The LNG sector has always marketed natural gas as the “bridge fuel,” that is, cleaner compared to coal and oil. The combustion of natural gas emits approximately 50% less CO₂ than coal, yet this comparison ignores upstream emissions.

When accounting for methane leakage from natural gas, the energy required for liquefaction, and transit emissions, the advantage disappears or is even reversed. As a matter of fact, methane, which constitutes the major part of natural gas, is more than 80 times stronger than CO₂ over a 20–year period (IPCC).

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Changes in Policy and Demand Globally

Government policies have been instrumental in hastening the process of developing LNG facilities. Although the United States temporarily halted applications for new LNG exports in 2024, permission to export was granted quickly thereafter, opening up a pipeline of projects.

There are various global forces influencing demand:

• The conflict between Russia and Ukraine is affecting European gas supplies
• Transition in Europe from coal
• Energy needs in Asia

According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), the United States provides more than 40% of Europe’s LNG imports.

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Local Impact: Why Communities Are Concerned

Environmental and resident groups have expressed concern about the growing number of LNG facilities in southwest Louisiana, as the region is vulnerable to extreme weather, including the devastation caused by Hurricane Laura(2020), which resulted in over $14 billion in damage.

Experts are particularly concerned that rising greenhouse gas emissions from projects like the LNG terminal will contribute to an increase in hurricanes, an increase in the severity of flooding, and unfavorably affect the long-term habitability of the area.

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Can Emissions Be Reduced?

Woodside Energy is committed to:

• Emission reduction by 30% by 2030
• Net-zero emissions by 2050
• Carbon offset investments and methane reduction

Additionally, technology-based approaches for significant emissions reductions within the LNG industry are currently lacking.

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Growth at What Cost?

This LNG expansion project highlights a deeper dilemma in energy policy: how to balance the need for affordable, reliable energy to foster economic growth and energy security with environmental sustainability concerns.

The production of liquefied natural gas (LNG) is critical in meeting our global energy requirements, as well as supporting our global allies; however, the impact of the long-term use of LNG on our climate should not be overlooked. The Louisiana LNG project could be America’s most polluting gas terminal, and has raised important questions regarding the ultimate compatibility of the expansion of fossil fuel infrastructure with the global climate.

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FAQs

1. Why is the Louisiana LNG project so heavily polluting?

It will produce an estimated 9.5 million tons of greenhouse gas emissions per year and thus will be the most polluting LNG terminal in the United States.

2. Is LNG more environmentally friendly than coal?

Even though it produces less CO₂ during combustion, due to the whole cycle of production, it may release even more pollution than coal.

3. What are the economic advantages of the project?

The project promises job creation, new tax revenues, and $18 billion worth of investments, which will positively affect the economy of Louisiana.

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