The U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Fossil Energy last week issued an order granting Sempra LNG Marketing, LLC blanket authorization to export liquefied natural gas (LNG) that had previously been imported to the company's Cameron LNG terminal in Louisiana. Sempra applied for the authorization in September of this year.

According to DOE, the authorization permits Sempra to export up to 250 billion cubic feet (Bcf) on a short-term or spot market basis from Cameron LNG on a cumulative basis over a two-year period starting on February 1, 2011. Sempra can export this LNG to any country capable of importing LNG via ocean-going carrier and with which U.S. law or policy does not prohibit trade.

The order does not allow Sempra to export domestically produced LNG.