NextDecade: Court Overturns Ruling to Greenlight $18.4 Billion LNG Project
Deal News | Mar 20, 2025 | Orrick
NextDecade's $18.4 billion Rio Grande Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) project is set to advance following a significant judicial victory in the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. Initially, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) had authorized the project, citing its valuable contribution to public interest with only visual environmental impact concerns. However, that authorization was vacated by a subsequent ruling, demanding an additional environmental impact assessment. Orrick, a prominent law firm, intervened and successfully petitioned for a rehearing which ultimately led to the reinstatement of the authorization. The Rio Grande LNG project, once operational, is expected to fulfill around 6% of global LNG demands, thereby marking a major milestone in the energy sector.
Sectors
- Energy
- Legal Services
Geography
- United States – The legal proceedings and the subsequent decision occurred in the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit.
Industry
- Energy – The article relates to a large-scale liquefied natural gas project conducted by NextDecade, which is a significant player in the energy sector.
- Legal Services – Orrick plays a crucial role as a legal advisor in successfully overturning a court decision, impacting the legal proceedings of NextDecade's project.
Financials
- $18.4 billion – The estimated cost of the Rio Grande LNG project by NextDecade.
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| NextDecade | Target Company | Company | NextDecade is a company involved in the development of the Rio Grande LNG project. |
| Orrick | Legal Advisor | Company | Orrick is a law firm that successfully represented NextDecade in appealing the court's decision. |
| United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit | Court | Government | The judicial body that ruled in favor of NextDecade, allowing their project to proceed. |
| Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) | Regulatory Authority | Government | Responsible for the initial authorization of the Rio Grande LNG project. |