The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today issued a conditional authorization that allows Sempra Energy (NYSE: SRE) subsidiary Cameron LNG to export domestically produced liquefied natural gas (LNG) from its proposed liquefaction facilities in Hackberry, La., to countries that do not have a free trade agreement (FTA) with the U.S.

Subject to environmental review and final regulatory approval, the authorization conditionally approves Cameron LNG to export up to 12 million tonnes per annum (Mtpa), or approximately 1.7 billion cubic feet per day, of natural gas for 20 years commencing on the date of first export.

"Today's authorization by the DOE represents a critical milestone in the development of our export facilities," said Debra L. Reed, chairman and CEO of Sempra Energy. "Exporting natural gas will lead to the creation of thousands of new jobs and economic growth here in the U.S. and enable our partners to deliver domestically produced natural gas to our allies abroad and to the world marketplace."

Cameron LNG also received notice on Jan. 10 that the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) issued the draft environmental impact statement to construct and operate the liquefaction facilities. Cameron LNG is the first liquefaction project pending review before FERC to have reached this significant milestone in the permitting process.

"Our progress in permitting and financing our project, along with successful execution of commercial and tolling agreements puts us on track to be one of the first LNG export projects under construction in 2014 and in full commercial operation in 2019," said Octavio M.C. Simoes, president of Sempra LNG. "For more than a decade, we have enjoyed a positive relationship with community leaders and local, state and federal officials who have worked diligently to make Louisiana an attractive state in which to do business. We look forward to the continuation of this relationship as Cameron LNG's liquefaction export facility moves forward."

About Sempra Energy

Sempra Energy, based in San Diego, is a Fortune 500 energy services holding company with 2012 revenues of approximately $10 billion. The Sempra Energy companies' nearly 17,000 employees serve more than 31 million consumers worldwide.

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