U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced proposed changes to federal liquefied natural gas (LNG) regulations and approval of a deepwater port license for a new offshore export facility near Matagorda. He made the announcements Wednesday at a summit at Port Houston. U.S. Reps. Randy Weber and Brian Babin attended the event.
The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration published a proposed rule to update LNG safety standards for the first time in more than 20 years. The department said the changes would let facilities use newer technologies, including pipe-in-pipe systems, single-walled containers and membrane storage tanks. Federal officials estimate the changes could save about $100 million a year. PHMSA Administrator Paul Roberti said the current rules relied on an outdated industry standard.
Weber's office said the Matagorda port is expected to support about 2,000 construction jobs and up to 855 permanent positions. It is also expected to raise U.S. LNG export capacity by 7 to 9 percent. The port will be near Brazoria County. The proposed safety rules have not been finalized and must go through the federal rulemaking process before taking effect.