Gabby Brown, gabby.brown@sierraclub.org, 914-261-4626
Brownsville, TX -- Today, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) rejected a request from local residents and environmental groups to reconsider its approval of the Annova LNG and Texas LNG fracked gas facilities proposed for a site along the Gulf Coast near Port Isabel, Texas. FERC rejected a similar request on the Rio Grande LNG facility proposed for the same area last month, and groups have filed a lawsuit challenging this decision.
The cumulative impacts of these three proposed projects could be devastating for local communities and industries like eco-tourism and shrimping that are dependent on a pristine coastline free from industrial pollution. If built, Annova LNG would put delicate wetlands at risk, as well as blocking a wildlife corridor and threatening the survival of the endangered ocelot population and other local wildlife. Texas LNG poses similar threats, as well as threatening Indigenous rights, with plans to bulldoze a cultural site sacred to the Carrizo/Comecrudo Tribe without consulting with the tribe.
“Texans from across the state have spoken out countless times in opposition to the three fracked gas projects, Annova LNG, Texas LNG, and Rio Grande LNG, proposed for our community because they would be an environmental disaster for our region and disproportionately impact our already-marginalized Latino community,” said Sierra Club Brownsville Organizer Rebekah Hinojosa. “We shouldn’t have to sacrifice our health, our pristine coastline, our ecotourism industry, and our diverse wildlife, all so that fossil fuel companies can export more fracked gas overseas. We will continue to fight back to ensure that these projects are never built.”
FERC has given authorization to the three proposed fracked gas projects, but the projects are still awaiting permit decisions from other regulatory agencies. Texas LNG and Annova LNG require permit approval from the Army Corps of Engineers and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. Texas LNG is also awaiting a decision on habitat and species impacts from U.S. Fish & Wildlife. Rio Grande LNG is also awaiting a decision on the wetlands 404 permit from the Army Corps of Engineers.
About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with more than 3.5 million members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.