WSTN Applauds Final Investment Decision for Energía Costa Azul LNG Export Project

DENVER--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Western States and Tribal Nations (WSTN) Natural Gas Initiative applauds Sempra Energy’s announcement today that its subsidiary ECA Liquefaction, reached a final investment decision (FID) for the development, construction and operation of the Energía Costa Azul LNG Phase 1 natural gas liquefaction-export project in Baja California, Mexico.

“As the only LNG export project in the world to reach FID in 2020, we see this announcement as an important step towards helping our Asian allies bolster their energy security and meet shared environmental priorities,” said Andrew Browning of WSTN. “This significant milestone will help to connect abundant natural gas supplies from the western U.S. directly to countries across Asia where energy demand is soaring from manufacturing and economic growth – all while helping to lower global emissions by developing and offering lower-emitting fuel alternatives to growing international markets.”

“With the U.S. leading the world in cutting emissions, WSTN is pleased this project will serve as an opportunity for Rockies-produced energy resources to help expand trade and infrastructure development that will help communities – in the U.S. and Asia- to thrive both economically and environmentally,” said WSTN Chairman Jason Sandel. “Thankfully, the comparative advantage of using natural gas from the western U.S. will enable Energía Costa Azul to become a major North American west coast energy export hub to countries across Asia who are eager for access to lower-emitting fuels.”

Earlier this year, WSTN members sent a letter to Mexico’s Energy Minister Nahle to express support for the 20 Year Export Permit Application for the Costa Azul LNG project.

About Western States and Tribal Nations

Western States and Tribal Nations is a unique, trans-national initiative led by, state, sovereign tribal nation and county governments focused on creating rural economic development, advancing tribal self-determination and reducing global emissions by exporting western North American natural gas to international markets that need lower-emitting fuels.