JASPER COUNTY, Texas — The fate of the proposed CP2 liquified natural gas (LNG) project in southwest Louisiana has been decided. Venture Global received approval from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) for its third export facility.
The approval comes despite protests from environmentalists and even some lawmakers.
Although Venture Global's LNG project will be based in Cameron Parish, near its Calcasieu Pass LNG facility, there is a Southeast Texas connection to it. They would be connected by a pipeline that starts in Jasper County.
"It's having an impact on our economy. It's having an impact on healthcare. It's having an impact on everything," said Virginia Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan.
McClellan is one of the many people who voiced concerns over the growing LNG presence in Southeast Texas and southwest Louisiana. She opposes the CP2 LNG export project.
"LNG export terminals will set us back in our continued fight to address the climate crisis and we cannot allow for their unfettered expansion, which will lock us into increased greenhouse gas emissions for decades to come," she said.
On Thursday, June 27 FERC decided that Venture Global can begin construction.
The project will include something called CP Express. This is a new natural gas pipeline that would run from Jasper County through Newton County and into Louisiana ending at the proposed CP2 export terminal in Cameron Parish.
"Our water is polluted. Our children are sick, our family members are dying from cancer. We cannot take anymore. The Calcasieu river is overflowing with pollution," said Roishetta Ozane, the founder of Vessel Project of Louisiana.
Ozane says the effects of LNG expansion on the gulf will continue to have lasting effects on the surrounding population.
"We no longer have hope that FERC won't approve this. FERC does not take into account cumulative impacts," Ozane said.
Venture Global says this project will enhance global energy security and economic growth. They've already secured several long-term sales agreements with companies like ExxonMobil and Chevron.
Ozane previously said if the FERC votes yes, then they are willing to take Venture Global to court.
"But yes, it is approved, we are ready and willing to take it to court, we will use all the resources that we have available, we will continue to protest, we will continue to show up and do what we need to do," said Ozane.
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