A facility along the Texas coast was cleared for exports of liquefied natural gas sourced from domestic supplies, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission said. Freeport LNG Development is to build a plant capable of processing 1.8 billion cubic feet of natural gas per day for exports to countries with and without free-trade agreements with the United States. The federal government must weigh trade to non-FTA countries against the public’s interest. FERC in a statement Thursday said the Freeport LNG is required to adhere to more than 80 conditions to mitigate potential environmental impacts. Supporters of LNG exports say it will be a source of domestic economic stimulus while enhancing U.S. leverage overseas. Opponents say it could lead to higher natural gas prices at home and lead to more hydraulic fracturing, a controversial drilling practice seen as harmful to the environment. Conditional approval was given Thursday by the U.S. Energy […]