US 'Energy Dominance': Wright and Burgum Visit Louisiana LNG Facility Amid $18B Expansion

America is flexing its energy muscle again. Energy Secretary Chris Wright and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum on Thursday visited Venture Global, a Louisiana-based liquefied natural gas (LNG) exporter, to celebrate an eye-popping $18 billion expansion of its Plaquemines Parish facility. This bold move has been described as a beacon of "American energy dominance" returning to global prominence.

Joining the tour was Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry, who welcomed the expansion with open arms, calling it a major step toward cementing the state’s role in energy production. The Plaquemines facility, first greenlit during Donald Trump's presidency in 2019, has been a cornerstone of U.S. LNG production alongside its sister site, Calcasieu Pass.

The timing couldn't be more strategic. U.S. LNG exports have become a lifeline for Europe, especially after Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022 disrupted energy supplies. And with the Trump administration’s reversal of Joe Biden’s pause on new LNG export permits, the industry has gained renewed momentum. One study even warned that nearly one million jobs could have been jeopardized over the next two decades if the restrictions had stayed in place. Crisis averted, it seems.

The Plaquemines facility is projected to leap from producing 27 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) of LNG to a staggering 45 MTPA after the expansion. Burgum described this as evidence of America's next "Golden Age," pointing to the administration’s commitment to boosting energy infrastructure and combating inflation. "By ramping up production and empowering companies like Venture Global," he stated, "we’re ensuring the U.S. leads the global energy stage." Now, if only they could bottle that same energy for New York rent prices.

CEO Mike Sabel of Venture Global shared that the expansion will make Plaquemines the largest LNG export facility in North America. He added that this growth will not only meet rising global demand but also significantly improve the U.S. balance of trade. "Capital flows to the most competitive projects," Sabel noted, emphasizing the facility’s economic efficiency.

Beyond the jaw-dropping numbers, this expansion is expected to create hundreds of permanent jobs in Louisiana and tens of thousands of indirect roles across the U.S. That’s a lot of hard hats and steel-toed boots getting back to work. Gov. Landry praised Trump's leadership, saying Louisiana is now at the forefront of energy independence, with the state serving as a vital supplier to U.S. allies.

Trump, fresh off his first address to Congress in his second term, made energy policy a cornerstone of his speech. Declaring, "We have more liquid gold under our feet than any nation on earth," the president doubled down on his "drill, baby, drill" mantra, vowing to make energy more affordable for Americans.

For those keeping track, energy dominance was a key campaign promise before Trump’s re-election in 2024. And based on the Louisiana facility's expansion, it’s a promise being delivered in spades. Whether you're a supporter or a skeptic, one thing is clear: when it comes to energy, the U.S. is playing the long game—and playing it big.