Wright, Burgum visit Louisiana liquefied natural gas facility amid $18B expansion
Energy Secretary Chris Wright and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum are embarking on a significant visit to a Louisiana-based liquefied natural gas exporter, Venture Global. The company is set to announce a massive $18 billion expansion of its existing facility, a move that the Trump administration believes will demonstrate to the world that American energy dominance is back on the rise.
The Plaquemines Parish export facility, approved by President Donald Trump in 2019, has already seen the inauguration of liquefied natural gas production alongside the company’s first facility, Calcasieu Pass, within just five years. This quick turnaround has allowed U.S. liquefied natural gas exports to fill a crucial gap in gas supply to Europe following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
President Trump’s decision to lift the pause on new liquefied natural gas export permits that was implemented by former President Joe Biden has been hailed as a key factor in enabling the expansion of facilities like the one in Plaquemines. A study conducted by the National Association of Manufacturers highlighted that nearly 1 million jobs were at risk due to the liquefied natural gas pause, emphasizing the significance of Trump’s actions in safeguarding American jobs and energy security.
The planned expansion of the Plaquemines facility is expected to elevate its production capacity to over 45 MTPA, making it a crucial player in the liquefied natural gas export market. Venture Global CEO Mike Sabel has expressed confidence that this expansion will not only solidify the company’s position as a major exporter but also contribute significantly to the U.S. balance of trade.
The visit by Wright and Burgum to Venture Global comes on the heels of Trump’s recent address to Congress, where he reiterated his commitment to reducing energy costs and promoting energy independence. The president’s pledge to lower energy prices and prioritize domestic energy production has been a central theme of his administration’s agenda.
The expansion of the Plaquemines facility is set to create hundreds of new permanent jobs in Louisiana and support tens of thousands of indirect employment opportunities across the state and beyond. Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry commended President Trump for his dedication to strengthening the nation’s energy infrastructure and positioning Louisiana as a key player in the LNG market.
As the Trump administration continues to prioritize energy dominance and economic growth, the investment in facilities like Plaquemines underscore the administration’s commitment to revitalizing the American energy sector. With the expansion of the Plaquemines facility, the U.S. is poised to play a leading role in meeting the growing global demand for liquefied natural gas, further cementing its position as a major player in the energy market.
