LNG export licences get a new 50-year validity cap, separate from other natural gas licences

Plain-language summary · AI-assisted · not legal advice

The Canadian Energy Regulator Act now contains a dedicated provision for liquefied natural gas (LNG) export licences, capping their maximum validity at 50 years from a date set in the licence itself. Previously, the regulations governed validity periods for all natural gas licences without distinguishing LNG. The regulation-making power for licence validity is now carved out so it no longer covers LNG licences — those are governed by the new statutory provision instead. The Act also now defines 'liquefied natural gas' and 'natural gas' directly in the statute for purposes of this section. Companies holding or applying for LNG export licences should note this fixed 50-year ceiling now appears in the primary legislation rather than in subordinate regulations.

Who this affects: LNG exporters and project developers · natural gas exporters · energy companies seeking CER export licences · legal and regulatory compliance teams in the energy sector