LNG project in SWLA could become one of America’s largest emission facilities, report shows

LAKE CHARLES, La. (KPLC) — A report claims the largest polluter among liquefied natural gas (LNG) facilities is being built right here in Southwest Louisiana.

These projects have long been surrounded by questions about their environmental impact.

Woodside Energy says its Louisiana LNG project represents a $17.5 billion investment, is 24 percent complete, and has almost 1,800 workers on site.

Woodside provided this statement to 7News:

“Woodside is rapidly advancing the Louisiana LNG project with over 24% of the construction complete as of 31 March this year and we are deep into the process of sourcing the necessary components and equipment for the foundation phase development of the facility. Personnel on site have ramped up to ~1800, and we have committed over $1 billion in awarded contracts to ~200 Louisiana companies. We recently announced a $300 million contract to Green Tug Towing. This contract will support the creation of approximately 70 direct local jobs, an additional 30 indirect roles and about 60 temporary positions during construction at C&C Marine and Repair in their Belle Chasse shipyard.”

The company says the project could create thousands of jobs and bring billions in economic benefit.

“Calcasieu Parish stands to gain substantial tax revenues with the project stimulating up to $2.6 billion (net present value) — which can fund public services, infrastructure, and community development.”

According to the Louisiana DEQ records, the facility is projected to emit more than 9.5 million tons of greenhouse gases each year.

This would make it among the highest LNG emissions in the country.

But Woodside says those claims are wrong… and the data is “relying on inconsistent comparisons and inflated assumptions that don’t reflect like-for-like project scopes or real-world performance.”

They say their facility is designed to “outperform conventional LNG facilities” because of its technologically advanced system, which uses less energy to cool and less field space to compress natural gas.

Meaning, more output with less impact on the environment and greenhouse gas emissions.

In their words, “Louisiana LNG is smarter by design, delivering the same energy with a lower emissions profile.”

Environmental advocates argue LNG emissions don’t stop at the plant and can cause issues such as transportation emissions and mishaps similar to those at other facilities.

Meanwhile, Woodside claims its “streamlined infrastructure will further reduce the carbon footprint per unit of LNG produced, meaning more output with less environmental impact.”

Woodside says the project is expected to begin operations in 2029.