Venture Global laid out its plans earlier this year for an $18 billion expansion of its liquified natural gas export terminal near Port Sulphur, a project that's expected to take nearly five years and involve thousands of workers.

Now, federal regulators are combing through the public's thoughts on the project as part of a permitting process the company must clear before construction can begin.

The public comment period, which ended Thursday, is required as Venture Global seeks approval from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission — a five-member body appointed by the president and confirmed by the U.S. Senate. That process starts with an environmental review.

In coming months, staff at the regulator will prepare a document outlining the environmental impacts of the expansion

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