Louisiana's Massive New LNG Terminal Set to Become State's Largest Greenhouse Gas Emitter

The $18 billion Woodside Energy project near Lake Charles is projected to surpass all existing U.S. LNG facilities in emissions.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 10:59pm

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A geometric composition of overlapping triangles and rectangles in shades of blue, green, and gray, conceptually illustrating the large scale and environmental impact of the Louisiana LNG terminal project.An abstract visual representation of the massive scale and environmental toll of Louisiana's newest LNG export terminal.Lake Charles Today

A sprawling new liquefied natural gas (LNG) facility under construction near Lake Charles, Louisiana is expected to become the state's largest source of greenhouse gas emissions, eclipsing all existing U.S. LNG terminals and exceeding the projected emissions of dozens of other LNG projects proposed for the next decade, according to an analysis by the nonprofit news organization Verite News.

Why it matters

The Louisiana LNG terminal, owned by Australia's Woodside Energy, represents one of the largest foreign investments in the state's history. However, environmental advocates have expressed alarm over the facility's projected emissions, warning that they will exacerbate climate threats already facing Louisiana, including more intense hurricanes and rising sea levels.

The details

The $18 billion Louisiana LNG project is currently under construction and is expected to produce more greenhouse gas emissions than any other LNG export terminal built in the United States. The findings are based on an analysis of state and federal records by Verite News, a nonprofit news organization focused on underserved communities in the New Orleans area. The new Woodside Energy facility is being built approximately 40 miles east of the existing Sabine Pass LNG terminal, which has already become one of the largest sources of climate-warming pollution in Louisiana.

  • The Louisiana LNG terminal project broke ground in September 2026.
  • The Sabine Pass LNG terminal, Louisiana's first LNG export facility, began operations in 2016.

The players

Woodside Energy

The largest oil and gas producer in Australia, which is the owner of the Louisiana LNG terminal project.

Jeff Landry

The Republican Governor of Louisiana, who described the Louisiana LNG project as a 'great day for Louisiana and an unbelievable day for America' during the groundbreaking ceremony.

Anne Rolfes

The executive director of the environmental group Louisiana Bucket Brigade, who described the findings of the Verite News analysis as 'really distressing'.

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What they’re saying

“As Louisiana becomes more vulnerable, we're just adding to that vulnerability by producing more greenhouse gases. That's insanity.”

— Anne Rolfes, Executive Director of the Louisiana Bucket Brigade

“This is a great day for Louisiana and an unbelievable day for America.”

— Jeff Landry, Governor of Louisiana

What’s next

Environmental advocates plan to continue monitoring the construction and emissions of the Louisiana LNG terminal, and may pursue legal action or push for stricter regulations if the facility's greenhouse gas output exceeds projections.

The takeaway

The Louisiana LNG terminal project highlights the ongoing tension between the state's economic interests in the fossil fuel industry and the urgent need to address climate change and environmental justice concerns. As Louisiana becomes increasingly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, the decision to build the state's largest greenhouse gas emitter raises questions about the long-term sustainability of the region's energy strategy.