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Some point to Canadas National Energy Board (NEB), which has already approved three similar projects for exporting Canadian LNG to Asian markets. If the Canadians are onboard with this, why is the DOE so hesitant? One reason is that the NEB in Canada has overseen for decades an energy sector operating on a strong export footing, Canada having exported crude oil and natural gas in huge quantities to the US for many years (unknown to most, Canada is the largest supplier of crude oil and natural gas to the US and has been for decades). In contrast, the DOE has overseen an energy sector in the US which has, for largely the same amount of time, stood solidly on an import footing. Change is difficult. The US is now grappling, I believe, not with whether to export more gas but with how much more gas to export. Of the 19 applications presently in the DOEs queue for non-FTA export approval, while I believe all economically viable projects (those that have lined up customers, secured financing, etc.) should be approved, I question whether all will be approved. That said, the DOE may not be able to overcome the statutory presumption that each application must be approved unless DOE proves on the record that approval would be contrary to the public interest. And therein lies the dilemma. Environmentalists oppose exports because exports mean construction along coastlines. Some industry groups oppose exports because they believe their feedstock costs will rise. There are no shortages when it comes to competing interests. Fear not, however. Somehow the DOE will manage to leave at least 60% of us disappointed and the other 50% of us elated but wondering where they went wrong with their math. Kevin Keenan is a Partner in the Global Projects practice of Baker Botts Houston office. His practice focuses on LNG project development, with a particular emphasis on LNG shipping and floating LNG applications.