Coastal Bend LNG has announced the selection of EXP, a global engineering, architecture, design and consulting firm, to serve as lead environmental consultant for its proposed natural gas liquefaction and export facility on the Texas Gulf Coast. The appointment represents a significant milestone in the project’s development as the company advances through the regulatory approval process.
Comprehensive Environmental Services
EXP will provide extensive environmental consulting services covering the development of Coastal Bend’s planned infrastructure, which includes multiple liquefaction trains, cogeneration facilities, LNG storage tanks, and export terminals. The scope of work encompasses the environmental assessment requirements necessary for the complex facility’s permitting process.
Carlos R. Guzman, COO of Coastal Bend LNG, highlighted the strategic importance of the partnership in light of evolving regulatory requirements. “As DOE and FERC implement revisions to their NEPA requirements, EXP’s expertise in environmental surveys will be critical to advancing our permitting process most efficiently,” Guzman stated.
The executive emphasised the project’s commitment to responsible development, noting that “EXP shares our goal of responsibly developing the Coastal Bend LNG project with benefits to our local communities as well as our end customers.”
Strategic Partnership for Energy Infrastructure
Michael Aubele, vice president of environmental and regulatory services at EXP, characterised the engagement as reflective of the firm’s broader mission in the energy sector. “Our work with Coastal Bend LNG reflects EXP’s commitment to advancing responsible and resilient energy infrastructure in the United States,” Aubele commented.
Regulatory Timeline and Legal Framework
The company anticipates commencing the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) pre-filing process during 2025, marking the formal beginning of the federal regulatory review procedures. To ensure comprehensive legal oversight, all regulatory filings will undergo thorough review prior to submission by the Energy Regulatory practice of Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP.
The pre-filing process represents a crucial phase in the project’s development timeline, as it initiates the formal regulatory engagement with federal authorities responsible for approving large-scale energy infrastructure projects. This structured approach to regulatory compliance demonstrates Coastal Bend LNG’s commitment to meeting all applicable environmental and safety standards whilst advancing the project’s commercial objectives.
For more information visit www.coastalbendlng.com
