WSTN, SEMPRA INFRASTRUCTURE HOST STANDING-ROOM CERAWEEK FORUM ON ROCKIES GAS AND ASIAN LNG MARKETS
- Global supply disruptions underscore the strategic value of Pacific-facing U.S. export routes
- Rocky Mountain basins offer Asia-bound buyers the shortest, cleanest, fastest path to supply security
HOUSTON — The Western States and Tribal Nations (WSTN) Energy Initiative, a trans-national organization led by state and sovereign tribal governments to drive rural and tribal economic development and lower global emissions, hosted a standing-room breakfast forum during CERAWeek on the future of Rockies natural gas and Asian LNG markets, co-hosted with Sempra Infrastructure.
More than 80 attendees joined the discussion, including representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea, the Asia Natural Gas and Energy Association, the Japanese Institute of Energy Economics, Sumitomo, Pacific Summit Energy, Mitsui & Co., and ITOCHU Corporation. The forum came as conflict in Iran has disrupted global energy markets and renewed urgent questions about supply chain resilience. With roughly 80% of LNG bound for Asia transiting the Strait of Hormuz, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, Rocky Mountain natural gas exported via Pacific-facing terminals offers Asian buyers a supply chain entirely free of that exposure.
“What we are seeing in the Middle East is not a surprise — it is a recurring pattern, and Asian buyers signing long-term LNG contracts know it,” WSTN President Andrew Browning said. “We have the reserves, the environmental credentials, and a clear infrastructure roadmap. The interest is there — now it is time to move from conversation to contracts.”
“The gas is here, it’s clean, and we are ready to do business,” WSTN Chairman Jason Sandel said. “The Rockies have the reserves, the environmental track record, and the infrastructure vision to be Asia’s best long-term energy partner.”
Panelists included Martin Hupka, President, LNG, Sempra Infrastructure; Damon Daniels, Executive Vice President & Chief Commercial Officer, Tallgrass Energy; Annacita Crow, Jicarilla Apache Nation Legislative Council; and Shane Seibel, Executive Director, Southern Ute Growth Fund.
A 2021 lifecycle emissions study commissioned by WSTN found that Rockies-sourced LNG would reduce net lifecycle emissions by 42%-55% compared to the higher-emitting fuels it would replace in Asia. WSTN’s Rocky Mountain Gas Roadmap & Implementation Playbook, developed by Guidehouse, identifies the infrastructure routes to make that supply a reality.
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About the Western States and Tribal Nations Energy Initiative Western States and Tribal Nations is a unique, trans-national initiative led by state, county and sovereign tribal nation governments, focused on creating rural economic development, advancing tribal self-determination and reducing global emissions by exporting western North American natural gas to international markets that need lower-emitting fuels.
Contact:
Bryson Hull
P: 202-657-2855