WASHINGTON –U.S. Senator Mary L. Landrieu, D-La., Chair of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, applauded the Department of Energy’s decision today to give final approval for an export license for Sempra’s Cameron LNG facility in Hackberry, La. Construction of the facility, which will employ 3,000 people, can begin immediately.

“Cameron LNG will create thousands of high-paying jobs in Southwest Louisiana, open new markets for American producers, and position the United States as an energy superpower. Today’s decision means we can put shovels in the ground immediately and begin exporting this game-changing resource around the world,” Sen. Landrieu said. “Responsible LNG exports are critical to the economic future of the United States and I will continue to work closely with the Department of Energy under its new, streamlined process to secure approval for additional projects in the pipeline as quickly and efficiently as possible.”

“Today’s decision marks the last major regulatory hurdle for our Cameron LNG liquefaction-export project, clearing the way for construction to begin on the largest capital project in Sempra Energy’s history,” said Debra L. Reed, chairman and CEO of Sempra Energy.  “This landmark project will create thousands of jobs and economic benefits for Louisiana and the U.S. for decades to come, while delivering natural gas to America’s trading partners in Europe and Asia.  We extend our appreciation to the local community and state leaders like Senator Landrieu for their support in making this project a success.”

Sen. Landrieu has led the effort to secure regulatory approval for Cameron LNG in Congress.

In July, Sen. Landrieu sent a letter to Secretary of Energy Ernest Moniz calling on DOE to issue final approval for the project after the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) denied the Sierra Club’s request for a rehearing on its decision to issue final siting approval.

In June, after Sen. Landrieu called on FERC to issue final approval for the facility, it issued its final approval one week later.

In May, Sen. Landrieu expressed her support for DOE’s decision to streamline the approval process for new LNG export facilities.

In April, Sen. Landrieu sent a letter to Acting FERC Chair Cheryl LaFleur calling on the Commission to carry out its regulatory responsibilities on Sempra’s Cameron LNG in a timely manner.

In February, Sen. Landrieu wrote to Secretary Moniz, encouraging swift approval of Cameron LNG’s export license. The following day, after waiting more than two years for approval, Cameron LNG received the DOE’s conditional approval.