NextDecade Wins Appellate Approval for $18.4 Billion LNG Project

NextDecade has secured a significant legal victory in the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, allowing the company to proceed with its $18.4 billion Rio Grande liquefied natural gas (LNG) facility. Previously, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) had authorized the project, citing its minimal environmental impact and significant public interest benefit. However, the D.C. Circuit vacated the authorization, requiring a supplemental environmental impact statement. Orrick, representing NextDecade, successfully petitioned for a rehearing, arguing that the vacatur opposed judicial precedent and would harm both local communities and global LNG supply. The decision now enables NextDecade to progress with the development of the LNG facility, which is projected to fulfill approximately 6% of global LNG demand once completed.