CP2 LNG Terminal
One of the largest LNG export terminals ever proposed in the United States. Located in Cameron Parish, Louisiana, CP2 would export up to 28 million tonnes per annum of LNG to global markets. Facing coordinated opposition from climate groups, environmental justice organizations, and fishing communities concerned about pollution and ecosystem damage.
Risk Factors
Analysis: Extremely high environmental and community opposition driven by climate concerns and local pollution impacts. Multiple active lawsuits in federal courts. However, strong political support under Trump administration and robust financing reduce overall risk to project completion.
Timeline
Venture Global files FERC application for CP2 LNG terminal
FERC grants initial approval for CP2 terminal construction
Biden administration announces pause on new LNG export approvals pending DOE climate review; CP2 export authorization delayed
FERC orders halt to construction following rehearing request; extended review of environmental impacts
Sierra Club and Louisiana environmental groups file 5th Circuit lawsuit challenging LDEQ air permits
Dredging incident dumps unauthorized material into No Name Bayou and Calcasieu Lake; fishermen report buried crab traps and oyster beds
Trump administration ends Biden LNG pause; DOE begins processing export authorizations
DOE grants CP2 export authorization for 3.96 Bcf/d to non-FTA countries
Venture Global reaches Phase 1 FID with $15.1 billion investment commitment; EPC contract with Worley
Opposition Groups
Sierra Club
CRITICALLeading national climate organization opposing all new LNG export capacity; co-plaintiff in LDEQ air permit lawsuit
Earthjustice
HIGHEnvironmental law organization representing local groups in enforcement actions against unauthorized dredging and discharge violations
Louisiana Bucket Brigade
HIGHLouisiana-based environmental justice organization focused on "Cancer Alley" pollution; co-plaintiff in LDEQ permit challenges
Healthy Gulf
HIGHGulf Coast environmental organization; member of fisherman-led coalition filing D.C. Circuit motions to stay FERC permits
For a Better Bayou
MEDIUMLocal Cameron Parish group focused on protecting bayous and fisheries from LNG construction impacts
Fishing Industry Coalition
MEDIUMCoalition including Fishermen Involved in Sustaining Our Heritage; focused on dredging and sediment impacts on shrimp, oysters, crabs
Legal Challenges
LDEQ Air Permit Challenge
Claims: Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality air permits violate Clean Air Act; inadequate analysis of fine particulate matter and ozone in overburdened communities
Plaintiffs: Sierra Club, Louisiana Bucket Brigade, Environmental Integrity Project
FERC Authorization Challenge
Claims: FERC failed adequate public interest review; CP Express Pipeline permit inadequately addresses fishery harms from construction sediment
Plaintiffs: Healthy Gulf, Southern Environmental Law Center, fishing coalition. Seeking stay of FERC permits.
Dredging Enforcement Action
Claims: Unauthorized discharge of dredged material into No Name Bayou and Calcasieu Lake; buried crab traps, oyster beds; killed wildlife; blocked navigation during shrimp season
Petitioners: For a Better Bayou (represented by Earthjustice). Demanding enforcement action.
Key Arguments Against
- Massive greenhouse gas emissions (~8.5 million tons CO2/year) contributing to climate change
- Cumulative air pollution in already overburdened "Cancer Alley" communities
- Health impacts: fine particulate matter, ozone, toxic emissions linked to respiratory disease
- Destruction of wetlands, bayous, and commercial fisheries from dredging
- Harm to shrimp, oyster, and crab populations critical to Louisiana seafood industry
- FERC pattern of favoring fossil fuel industry over community concerns
- Locks in decades of fossil fuel infrastructure contrary to climate goals
- Environmental justice concerns for frontline Louisiana families
Political Landscape
Trump Administration
Position: STRONG SUPPORT
- Ended Biden LNG export pause January 2025
- DOE approved 13.8 Bcf/d total new capacity including CP2
- Energy Secretary Chris Wright supportive of LNG expansion
Louisiana State Government
Position: SUPPORTIVE
- LDEQ issued air permits (challenged in court)
- State economic development offices promoting project
- Jobs and tax revenue key priorities
Project Economics
Capacity
Peak: 28 Mtpa (~4 Bcf/d)
Nameplate: 20 Mtpa (~2.85 Bcf/d)
Investment
Phase 1: $15.1 billion
Full Project: Up to $28 billion