Updated Jan. 15, 2026
As the world braces for a decade of potentially unprecedented energy demand, the U.S. LNG industry, led by Cheniere, is well-positioned to help countries meet their growing needs and strengthen America’s position as the undisputed global energy leader.
It was among the clear messages Cheniere President and CEO Jack Fusco delivered at the American Petroleum Institute’s 2026 State of American Energy event, which was held Jan. 13 in Washington, D.C.
“In the past five years, the world has invested $1.5 trillion in natural gas infrastructure,” Fusco said on a panel of industry leaders. “They need all that we can give them, (and) we’ve been in expansion mode since Day 1.”
As Cheniere prepares to celebrate 10 years of LNG exports in 2026, the company is on track to surpass 5,000 LNG cargoes and poised to reach 10 billion cubic feet (Bcf) of natural gas processing capacity by the end of the year, thanks to growth projects under construction, Fusco said.
“There’s room for significant growth” for U.S. LNG exports, he added.
Fusco was joined onstage by MaryAnn Mannen, president and CEO of oil refiner Marathon Petroleum, and Toby Rice, president and CEO of natural gas producer EQT Corporation. CNBC anchor Brian Sullivan moderated the panel.
Sustained growth and American leadership in the global energy space will require additional investments in infrastructure, including major natural gas pipeline capacity. That, in turn, will necessitate timely, predictable and durable permitting and regulatory reforms and frameworks that streamline processes and reduce unnecessary overreach, Fusco said.
API’s State of American Energy is an annual gathering of industry leaders, policy makers and market analysts. The event aims to examine the forces shaping America’s energy future and highlight the industry’s leading role in driving economic growth and energy security, at home and abroad.