Controversy brewing over another energy project

The battle over the Keystone XL pipeline isn’t over yet, but another fight between the oil and natural gas industry and its opponents could be brewing, according to CNN Money.

Houston-based Cheniere Energy Inc. is planning to modify its liquefied natural gas terminal at Sabine Pass, La., to handle exports.

The $10 billion facility, which could be weeks away from construction, would be the first natural gas export facility in the lower 48 states.

Opponents worry the export facility would lead to an increase of hydraulic fracturing in natural gas development, according to the CNN story.

The process is controversial in some circles because of concerns about its impact on the environment, although industry officials maintain hydraulic fracturing has never been conclusively linked to water contamination.

Exporting natural gas has become an attractive option for producers as prices have plummeted to the lowest levels in a decade. The commodity sells for up to five times as much in Europe and Asia, CNN noted.

The story says companies like Chesapeake Energy and Devon Energy could cash in by exporting natural gas.

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