The US government is proposing regulatory changes intended to make LNG projects easier, faster, and less expensive to develop, US Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy announced on October 28.

The proposed changes come from the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), which oversees pipeline and LNG facility safety. The agency wants to modernize its existing framework by incorporating standards established by the National Fire Protection Association for the siting, design, construction, maintenance, and operation of LNG facilities.

According to Secretary Duffy, the proposed measures could generate approximately $100 mn in annual savings for industry operators. He also argued that allowing companies to adopt newer technologies would improve operational efficiency and strengthen safety.

The initiative forms part of President Trump's broader effort to expand American energy production and increase LNG exports. Since returning to office, Trump has reversed restrictions on LNG export approvals introduced under the previous administration and pursued changes intended to reduce delays in the environmental review process.

The US is already the world's leading LNG exporter and its closest competitor Qatar has seen its exports tumble following the Middle East conflict with Iran that damaged its Ras Laffan Industrial Complex and has seen the Strait of Hormuz closed.

Meanwhile Australia, which was the third biggest exporter in 2025, has seen its reputation as a reliable supplier take a hit following a proposed regulation that would require a 20% domestic gas reservation mandate.

International demand for alternative LNG suppliers has also increased following disruptions to shipments from the Gulf region associated with the conflict involving Iran.

NewsBase Horizon, our intelligence and advisory division believes the US is seeking to expand American exports as an opportunity to deepen dependency on the US among international partners as part of President Trump’s attempts to redesign global trade.

Greater confidence in the federal permitting environment has encouraged US companies to pursue development opportunities at a breakneck pace.

The US’s push to get projects online quicker comes as it’s northern neighbour Canada is also seeking to streamline the approvals process for its burgeoning LNG exports sector. In July, Canada and the provincial government of British Columbia inked a cooperation agreement to speed up development of four large LNG projects.