Gas Boom Sparks Tension in Gulf Coast Communities: How Trump’s Policies Ignite Ongoing Struggles

For over ten years, Rebekah Hinojosa has been on a mission. She’s fighting against the construction of liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminals close to the Texas-Mexico border. Her goal is clear: protect the beautiful Gulf Coast from large terminals and the massive ships that would transport gas around the world.

Hinojosa, part of the South Texas Environmental Justice Network, and her team have taken a unique approach to their opposition, which they call “death by a thousand cuts.” They’ve traveled widely, urging banks, politicians, and companies to withdraw support for the LNG terminals in a predominantly Hispanic area near Brownsville. Their efforts have led to some victories. For instance, one LNG project was canceled in 2021 after some key investors dropped out.

In 2022, they scored a significant legal win when a U.S. appeals court invalidated federal approval for two LNG projects, citing a lack of consideration for environmental justice.

But then came Donald Trump’s second presidential term. On his first day, he labeled the state of energy an emergency, rolling back various environmental protections that had aided those fighting against LNG expansion. Now, several LNG projects have been revived, putting local communities in Texas and Louisiana under new threats.

One such community member is fisherman Tad Theriot. His earnings from shrimping plummeted, going from $325,000 in 2021 to about $87,000 last year. This year, he expects his catch might bring in even less. “If you don’t get away from Cameron, you won’t catch shrimp,” he says, referring to his hometown in Louisiana, which already hosts several LNG terminals and is planning more.

The U.S. has been the largest LNG exporter since 2023. Six terminals are operational along the Gulf Coast, with several more under construction or proposed. Last year, the nation exported 11.9 billion cubic feet of LNG each day, a number expected to double by 2028. This boom is driven by the country’s natural gas reserves, tapped through fracking.

While fracked gas can be purchased in the U.S. for around $4 per million British thermal units (MMBTU), countries like Japan and Germany pay $12 to $15 for LNG after it’s processed. Despite the costs, companies achieve huge profits, generating wealth while local communities see little in return.

According to a recent study by the U.S. Department of Energy, LNG exports create jobs and stimulate the economy. “President Trump was mandated to boost American energy, including LNG exports,” argued Energy Secretary Chris Wright. However, local activists point out that promises of job creation often fall flat, with communities receiving minimal benefits.

James Hiatt, an advocate for better conditions in the region, highlights the disparity. “If they have so much money, why don’t they invest in our communities?” he questions, noting that LNG companies often receive substantial tax breaks while local assets dwindle.

Pollution remains another concern. Roishetta Ozane, an environmental activist, underscores that local families suffer health problems tied to the methane build-out. The process of LNG production not only creates greenhouse gas emissions but also threatens fragile ecosystems. John Allaire, a retired engineer, has witnessed the loss of land due to climate change. Increased fossil fuel production, he believes, will only exacerbate coastal erosion and contribute to rising sea levels.

Experts warn that despite the supposed advantages of LNG as a cleaner “bridge fuel,” its full lifecycle, including methane leaks, could make it worse for the climate than coal. Some claim we should focus instead on moving directly towards renewable energy sources.

A recent report from the Energy Information Administration noted that rising LNG production is pushing up domestic natural gas prices, which could impact electricity costs for consumers. Tyson Slocum from Public Citizen pointed out the contradiction: how can there be an energy emergency while opening new export terminals?

For those like Ozane, the community’s struggles symbolize more significant issues of environmental justice. “It’s as if adding more LNG facilities is a death sentence for our community,” she says.

Yet, hope endures. Hinojosa and other advocates continue to fight. Their determination remains strong, as they believe vital changes can still happen. They rally and protest against the projects, emphasizing that local voices deserve to be heard and valued over corporate interests.

Both activists are committed to protecting their communities. For them, this isn’t just a complex debate about energy; it’s about survival and ensuring a future free from the burden of pollution and neglect.

For more on the complexities of LNG and its impact on communities, check out the U.S. Department of Energy for detailed reports and insights.

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