Case Study: a U.S. infrastructure developer achieves project financing for a major LNG project with ERM

a U.S. infrastructure developer secures LNG project financing with ERM after 6 months of lender reviews

a U.S. infrastructure developer entering the LNG market faced the challenge of securing project financing from a consortium of Equator Principles financial institutions for a major new Texas project. As a new market entrant, the developer lacked experience with these stringent international standards, which were heightened due to lender sensitivity following high-profile projects like the Dakota Access Pipeline. Environmental Resources Management (ERM) was engaged as the Independent Environmental and Social Consultant (IESC) to guide the process.

ERM conducted extensive Environmental and Social Due Diligence (ESDD) to assess the project's alignment with Equator Principles and IFC Performance Standards. The solution involved a robust review of stakeholder engagement, biodiversity mitigation, and lender concerns. ERM's work, including a significant habitat conservation program that achieved a 15:1 offset ratio, provided lenders with the confidence needed. This enabled the successful financing of one of the largest LNG liquefaction and export developments in U.S. history.