The following LTE was originally published in the Port Isabel Press on Sept. 21, 2018.
Letter to the Editor,
As a business owner of Manuel's Restaurant and a Port Isabel resident for over 35 years, I am worried that my home, community, and livelihood are in danger if Rio Grande LNG builds its massive liquefied natural gas export terminal and flammable pipeline here. Rio Grande LNG is leading us on about the supposed benefits from this project. The company claims to provide jobs, but would get a $300 million tax cut for only 200 permanent jobs and at the expense of our community. That's a terrible deal!
A massive fossil fuel industrial complex would pollute the paradise we've lived in and known all our lives and destroy our local economy with it. Many local businesses, including my own, depend on tourism; it's been working for our area for decades and can continue if we care for our local environment. South Padre Island is the last untouched clean beach in Texas, and because of that we have the same families coming back year after year and we've watched their kids grow from toddlers to teens. The majority of our customers are from out of town, which also includes Long Island Village and RV Park Center residents who return year after year as well. It's saddening to even think about losing those customers we've grown to call family.
Rio Grande LNG plans to export gas extracted by fracking across Texas. Fracking has been known to spew hazardous levels of pollution into communities, increase earthquakes, and contaminate groundwater. Please do your research and educate yourself on this company and, most importantly, fracking.
Our Port Isabel and South Padre Island area is well known for our beautiful beach, fishing life, and real estate opportunities. As a community who loves and supports wildlife, why risk the health of the ecosystem and our community for money? Think of your children and the future of our community.
Sincerely,
Barroso Family
Manuel's Restaurant
Port Isabel, TX
