A new report from the Environmental Integrity Project alleges that southwest Louisiana’s liquefied natural gas terminals have been in near-constant violation of the Clean Air Act for the past three years, Louisiana Illuminator writes.
Using state and federal data, the nonprofit documented 12 consecutive quarters of air pollution violations at Cheniere Energy’s Sabine Pass and Venture Global’s Calcasieu Pass facilities, and 11 quarters at Cameron LNG in Hackberry.
Report authors say the infractions include failure to report excess emissions, exceeding pollution limits, and improper operation of pollution-control equipment. Cameron LNG alone recorded at least 89 instances of excess emissions, releasing thousands of pounds of benzene, a carcinogen, according to Louisiana DEQ data.
The three facilities have faced minimal enforcement action, with only two air quality cases opened by state regulators and limited fines assessed. Environmental advocates say the findings highlight weak oversight as the LNG industry continues expanding along Louisiana’s coast.
