DRIVING THE NEWS: Trump’s Transportation Secretary Duffy Announces Wins in Unleashing American Energy and Restoring Maritime Dominance at Port Houston with Congressmen Babin and Weber

New LNG regulations and $8.2 billion deepwater port in Gulf of America will fuel American energy and maritime comeback

HOUSTON, TX – U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy today hosted the Department's first-ever Sea Power Summit at Port Houston where he announced historic actions taken by USDOT to advance President Trump’s Executive Orders to Unleash American Energy and Restore America’s Maritime Dominance. The Secretary was joined by Congressman Brian Babin (TX-36), Congressman Randy Weber (TX-14), Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Administrator (PHMSA) Paul Roberti, Maritime Administration (MARAD) Deputy Administrator Mark D. Johnson, Port Houston CEO Charlie Jenkins, Port Commission Chairman Ric Campo, ST LNG CEO Sharad Tak, Cheniere Energy President and CEO Jack Fusco, and other maritime and energy stakeholders.

During the roundtable discussion on maritime and energy dominance, Secretary Duffy announced:

• MARAD’s approval of a deepwater port license application for ST LNG, LLC
• PHMSA’s proposed rule to update liquified natural gas (LNG) facilities standards for the first time in two decades

“Unleashing American energy and restoring American maritime dominance go hand-in-hand. These are two of the Trump Administration’s top priorities – and today’s Sea Power Summit proves we can deliver real results,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy. “From approving a massive deepwater port license at record speed to modernizing outdated LNG regulations for the first time in two decades, USDOT is creating an economic boom for the Gulf of America. When our energy and maritime industries thrive, Texas wins.”

“Houston is uniquely positioned to lead the charge in unleashing American energy and strengthening our maritime dominance,” said U.S. Congressman Brian Babin. “I applaud President Trump and Secretary Duffy for recognizing the importance of our critical transportation infrastructure. Port Houston is an economic powerhouse for Texas and a vital gateway for American energy, trade, and commerce. Its continued success is essential for strong supply chains and securing our nation’s energy and maritime supremacy.”

“The Texas Gulf Coast represents the very best of America. Our people work hard, fly under the radar, and show up the moment the country needs them,” said U.S. Congressman Randy Weber. “Today, Secretary Duffy returned the favor and came down to the Gulf of America to show up for us. What starts here in our little slice of heaven doesn’t stay here for long, and all 342 million Americans will reap the benefits of these major announcements for years to come.”

“Today's announcement marks a major milestone for ST LNG and demonstrates how a more efficient and coordinated federal permitting process can help advance significant American energy infrastructure investments,” said ST LNG CEO Sharad Tak. “We appreciate Secretary Duffy's leadership and the work of MARAD and its partner agencies in advancing our project while maintaining rigorous safety and environmental standards. With approximately $8.2 billion in planned investment, 8.4 million tonnes of annual LNG export capacity, and thousands of American jobs supported during construction and operations, ST LNG will contribute to America's energy security, strengthen our maritime industry, and create lasting economic opportunities for communities along the Texas Gulf Coast.”

“Safety comes first in U.S. LNG, and we welcome this important step to support the continued safe and reliable operation of the industry for decades to come,” said Cheniere Energy Inc Chairman, President and CEO Jack Fusco. “A modern regulatory framework will build on the industry’s strong foundation while supporting continued growth, innovation and U.S. energy leadership. I want to thank Secretary Duffy and Administrator Roberti, and congratulate the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration for advancing this rulemaking.”

“Houston has long been a driving force behind America's energy industry, and the Houston Ship Channel plays a critical role in moving the products that power our nation and fuel economies around the world,”  said Port Houston CEO Charlie Jenkins. “We appreciate Secretary Duffy's and the entire administration's leadership and commitment to strengthening our nation's maritime infrastructure. Continued investment in our ports and waterways is essential to keeping American energy competitive, supporting jobs and maritime economic development, and helping to ensure our nation can meet growing global demand.”

Additional Information:

Additional maritime and energy industry leaders who participated in the roundtable, include: American Petroleum Institute Vice President of Midstream Robin Rorick, Sarsonic Co-Founder and CEO Dino Mavrookas, US Holdings, Inc. President and CEO Henry Nuzum, and Targa Resources Senior Vice President and Greater Houston Port Bureau Board Chair Vincent DiCosimo.

The $8.2 billion ST LNG deepwater port will be built approximately 10.4 miles offshore Matagorda, Texas. The port will support 2,000 construction jobs and up to 855 permanent jobs, expand America’s LNG export capacity by 7-9%, and feature four 2.1 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) liquefaction systems. Construction is expected to begin in 2027, with the port coming online in 2029.

PHMSA’s proposed rule will allow operators to seamlessly adopt modern innovations like pipe-in-pipe systems, single-walled ASME containers, and membrane storage tanks. Leveraging these technologies will generate $100 million in savings annually, fast-track new LNG infrastructure projects, expand export capacity, and boost America’s status as a global energy powerhouse.

###