Delfin LNG, Environmental Obstruction, Louisiana 2025

Environmental groups have hit a major roadblock in their efforts to block the construction of a deepwater port in Louisiana, after the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit denied their petition for review, citing a lack of standing.

The court's decision was a major victory for the Biden administration's energy policies, which have been championed by President Trump. The Delfin LNG deepwater port, which will export liquefied natural gas, was authorized by the Maritime Administration in 2017, but was put on hold in 2024 after the Biden administration determined that additional environmental review was necessary.

However, in his Unleashing American Energy executive order in January 2025, President Trump directed the Maritime Administration to reconsider the project and issue a license. The Maritime Administration subsequently licensed the project in March 2025.

The court's decision not to review the petition was a major blow to the environmental groups, who had argued that the project would have a significant impact on the environment and the local community. However, the court ruled that the groups did not have standing to challenge the project, as they had failed to show any injury that might be traced to the project.

The decision was welcomed by the Justice Department, which argued that the project was an important part of the President's energy dominance agenda. 'This project is an important part of the President's energy dominance agenda, as evidenced by the President's directives to the Maritime Administration about this project in his Unleashing American Energy Executive Order,' said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Adam Gustafson.

The Maritime Administration also welcomed the decision, with Administrator Stephen M. Carmel stating that the ruling 'ensures that this vital energy infrastructure project won't be derailed by Far Left climate activists.' The project is expected to create good-paying jobs and contribute to America's energy dominance.

The Delfin deepwater port will export liquefied natural gas, and the project has been a major focus of the Biden administration's energy policies. The court's decision not to review the petition is a major victory for the administration, and is likely to be seen as a setback for environmental groups who have been challenging the project.

Defendant: Delfin LNG

Criminal Charges: Environmental Obstruction

City and State: Louisiana

Exact Date: 2025

Sentence or Outcome: Denied petition for review

Dollar Amounts: Not applicable

Source: https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/court-agrees-justice-department-environmental-groups-lack-standing-challenge-deepwater-port