Fear and loathing in US LNG buildout
Overall gas optimism is blighted by concerns over lingering regulatory and infrastructure hurdles that could hamper expansion of US LNG exports, weaken security and stifle AI ambitions
The US gas sector has welcomed the Trump administration’s emphatic support for the industry. Yet while hailing what they describe as a “sea change” in tone towards gas from both Washington and Brussels, industry leaders say unresolved regulatory and infrastructure hurdles risk undermining the expansion of US LNG exports, weakening US energy security and hindering the country’s bid to win the global AI arms race. These challenges range from building pipelines at home to proposed requirements for domestically constructed LNG carriers, alongside Europe’s net-zero agenda and new methane legislation. Industry leaders said the level of US engagement at the Gastech conference in Milan in September
Also in this section
2 April 2026
Alongside a rapid continued build-out of renewables, China’s latest five-year plan stresses the value of domestic hydrocarbon production for energy security and calls for increased Russian gas imports
2 April 2026
The government is taking important steps to revive domestic production, lift investment and benefit from the geopolitical crisis even if more needs to be done in the longer term
1 April 2026
Golden Pass’s startup offers QatarEnergy a timely boost but may also force a difficult choice between honouring disrupted contracts and capitalising on soaring spot LNG prices
1 April 2026
It is not a case of if or when, but the length and magnitude of economic damage from elevated oil prices
