Introduction
- U.S. import of natural gas from Canada is expected to peak in 2010, followed by a decline in production.
- As a result, natural gas from overseas sources will account for most of the net import increases in the U.S. by 2025.
Net U.S. Imports of Natural Gas, by source 1990-2030 (in trillion cubic feet)
Annual Energy Outlook 2007, with projections to 2030
The United States produces less than four percent of the world's reserves of natural gas. Consumption of natural gas in the U.S. is predicted to increase beyond our production capacity. The U.S. Department of Energy predicts that to meet increasing U.S. demand for natural gas, LNG imports will increase from 0.20 trillion cubic feet in 2002 to 4.80 trillion cubic feet in 2025. Former Federal Reserve Board chairman Alan Greenspan has repeatedly called for the U.S. to enhance its ability to import liquefied natural gas (LNG). The importation of LNG through deepwater ports will increase the supply of natural gas while addressing safety concerns and reducing port congestion.
The U.S. Secretary of Transportation has delegated to the Maritime Administration and the United States Coast Guard (USCG) the responsibility to process applications submitted by private interests to construct, own, operate and decommission deepwater ports. Based on the merits of these applications, the Maritime Administrator has been authorized to issue Deepwater Port licenses.