Trump’s AI Data Center Drive Linked to Projected Surge in U.S. Natural Gas Prices

President Donald Trump’s push for “AI dominance” includes fast-tracking data centers that run primarily on natural gas. A report released by the climate-activist group Oil Change International projects that, if current energy and AI policies continue, wholesale natural-gas prices could rise by roughly 80 % between 2026 and 2040, potentially doubling household energy costs. The analysis ties the price outlook to a surge in liquefied natural-gas (LNG) export capacity and a 17 % increase in gas consumption from the emerging AI data-center sector.

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Since taking office for a second term, Trump has resumed and accelerated approvals for new LNG export terminals that were paused under the previous administration. The report notes that nearly 90 million metric tons of new annual LNG export capacity reached a final investment decision as of June, on top of 60 million metric tons already under construction. Combined, these projects could double U.S. LNG exports by the early 2030s. Simultaneously, the administration has streamlined federal permits for data-center developers, loosened environmental reviews, and directed agencies to incentivize the construction of facilities that operate 24/7 on natural gas.

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• New LNG capacity decisions: ~90 million metric tons (final investment) + 60 million metric tons (under construction).

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• Projected export growth: Potential doubling of U.S. LNG exports by the early 2030s.

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• AI data-center impact: Expected 17 % rise in natural-gas consumption by the early 2030s.

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• Price projection: Average wholesale gas price could be 80 % higher between 2026-2040 compared with the decade of prior U.S. LNG exports.

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• “Trump's policies are making everyone's lives more expensive while Big Tech and the fossil fuel industry cash in. Our research shows that the cost-of-living crisis will only escalate in the coming years if Congress and government agencies don’t intervene,” — Lorne Stockman, research director at Oil Change International

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