Cheniere Energy, Inc.

Current report

Failure to obtain and maintain approvals and permits from governmental and regulatory agencies with respect to the design, construction and operation of our facilities, the development and operation of our pipelines and the export of LNG could impede operations and construction and could have a material adverse effect on our business, contracts, financial condition, operating results, cash flow, liquidity and prospects.

Current report

The design, construction and operation of interstate natural gas pipelines, LNG terminals, including the Liquefaction Projects, CCL Midscale Trains 8 & 9 Project, the SPL Expansion Project and other facilities, as well as the import and export of LNG and the purchase and transportation of natural gas, are highly regulated activities. Approvals of the FERC and DOE under Section 3 and Section 7 of the NGA, as well as several other material governmental and regulatory approvals and permits, including several under the CAA and the CWA, are required in order to construct and operate an LNG facility and an interstate natural gas pipeline and export LNG.

Current report

To date, the FERC has issued orders under Section 3 of the NGA authorizing the siting, construction and operation of the six Trains and related facilities of the SPL Project, the three Trains and related facilities of the CCL Project, the seven midscale Trains and related facilities for the Corpus Christi Stage 3 Project and the two midscale Trains and related facilities for the CCL Midscale Trains 8 & 9 Project, as well as orders under Section 7 of the NGA authorizing the construction and operation of the Creole Trail Pipeline and the Corpus Christi Pipeline. In February 2024, certain of our subsidiaries submitted an application to the FERC under the NGA for authorization to site, construct and operate the SPL Expansion Project. To date, the DOE has also issued orders under Section 3 of the NGA authorizing SPL, CCL and the Corpus Christi Stage 3 Project to export domestically produced LNG. We currently have the SPL Expansion Project and the CCL Midscale Trains 8 & 9 Project pending non-FTA export approval with the DOE. However, approval for the SPL Expansion Project is first subject to the receipt of regulatory permit approval from the FERC, responsive to our formal application. Additionally, we hold certificates under Section 7(c) of the NGA that grant us land use rights relating to the situation of our pipelines on land owned by third parties. If we were to lose these rights or be required to relocate our pipelines, our business could be materially and adversely affected.

Current report

Following its investigation of the maritime, logistics and shipbuilding sector in China, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (the “USTR”) has mandated restrictions on the maritime transport services for LNG exports and, if the restrictions are not met, the USTR stated it may direct the suspension of LNG export licenses until the terms of the restrictions are met. Among other things, the restrictions mandate that, beginning in April 2029, 1% of U.S. LNG exports must be exported on U.S.-built vessels, with such percentage gradually increasing to 15% in April 2047. These restrictions will not apply to a vessel for up to three years if the vessel owner orders and takes delivery of a U.S.-built vessel of equivalent or greater LNG capacity. The USTR stated it will continue to monitor effects of its action and will consider modification if appropriate. While we are monitoring developments of the restrictions, the potential impact of the restrictions on us and the LNG industry remains uncertain as the USTR stated that it will consult with the DOE and other relevant agencies, as appropriate, to provide notice and further technical information on the restrictions.

Current report

Authorizations obtained from the FERC, DOE and other federal and state regulatory agencies contain ongoing conditions that we must comply with. Failure to comply with or our inability to obtain and maintain existing or newly imposed approvals, permits and filings that may arise due to factors outside of our control such as a U.S. government disruption or shutdown, political opposition or local community resistance to our operations could impede the operation and construction of our infrastructure. In addition, certain of these governmental permits, approvals and authorizations are or may be subject to rehearing requests, appeals and other challenges. There is no assurance that we will obtain and maintain these governmental permits, approvals and authorizations, or that we will be able to obtain them on a timely basis. Any impediment could have a material adverse effect on our business, contracts, financial condition, operating results, cash flow, liquidity and prospects.