Texas LNG Brownsville LLC has asked the Department of Energy to move the deadline for starting exports from its Port of Brownsville project from February 10, 2027 to February 10, 2032. The Hydrocarbons and Geothermal Energy Office (HGEO) published notice of the request in the Federal Register. Texas LNG filed it on September 28, 2026.

What the existing authorization says

In DOE/FE Order No. 4489, issued February 10, 2020, DOE authorized Texas LNG to export domestically produced LNG by vessel to countries without a free trade agreement with the United States, provided trade with them is not barred by U.S. law or policy. The volume is equivalent to 204.4 billion cubic feet per year of natural gas, for a term running through December 31, 2050. The order requires exports to begin within seven years of its issuance, which puts the deadline at February 10, 2027.

Why Texas LNG says it needs more time

Texas LNG says it has worked toward a positive final investment decision, but that its efforts were "substantially frustrated" by events outside its control. It points mainly to six years of litigation and remand proceedings brought by a group of opponents against the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's authorization to site, construct and operate the project. According to the filing, that uncertainty made it harder to secure the long-term financing and commercial commitments needed to reach a decision.

Texas LNG also notes that on August 21, 2025, FERC extended the project's construction and in-service deadline to November 22, 2029. The company argues a 2032 export deadline would leave time after that date to execute commercial commitments and begin exports. It also asks DOE to add a three-year make-up period at the end of the authorization term, which currently ends December 31, 2050, citing recent DOE practice.

How to respond

DOE will weigh the issues required under section 3(a) of the Natural Gas Act and its own regulations. It will not issue a final decision until it has met its obligations under the National Environmental Policy Act. Protests, motions to intervene, notices of intervention and written comments must be filed electronically by 4:30 p.m. Eastern time on November 19, 2026. DOE strongly encourages filing by email at fergas@hq.doe.gov.