THE FIGHT NEVER ENDS TO SAVE OUR RGV

Hi Folks who love the RGV,

Just when you think you can rest, there is more! And we do this to put our “gotita de agua” and together we can make a difference!

Take Action: Rio Grande LNG Expansion!

If you missed the recent Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) public scoping sessions in Port Isabel, there’s still time to make your voice heard and submit a comment!

What’s Happening?

FERC is reviewing NextDecade’s request to add a 6th liquefied natural gas (LNG) train to its Rio Grande facility along Highway 48. The request to increase capacity at the industrial site, prior to any of the other 5 trains being constructed and operating, cannot be properly assessed. At the very least, a new Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) should be written to take into account the cumulative effects from all current and planned developments.

A natural gas train isn’t a vehicle—it’s a major industrial processing unit. Adding one is like adding an entire new production line, with real impacts on the surrounding environment and community.

As part of the environmental review process, FERC evaluates how a project could impact the environment and considers public concerns before making a decision. This early input phase is called “scoping.”

Why This Matters

Approving a 6th train before any of the first 5 trains are even built and operating is premature and risky.

Without real-world data on the impacts of the initial trains, there is no responsible way to assess the true effects on:

*Public health
*Environmental quality
*Community safety
*Local economy

At a minimum, a new, comprehensive Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is needed to evaluate the cumulative impacts of all current and proposed developments in the region.

Deadline to Comment

April 8, 2026

 4:00 p.m. CDT

Urge FERC to deny this request until the public has full transparency on the impacts of the first five trains.

How to Submit a CommentSubmit your comment here:
Public Scoping Session for the Rio Grande Expansion Project (PF26-3-000)
Here is How to Submit a Comment
View documents and community comments:
Visit FERC eLibrary and enter docket PF26-3-000

Suggested Talking Points

Need some talking points for comments? Here are some suggestions. Feel free to add your own:

1. Declining Air Quality

Air quality in the Laguna Madre area has already suffered. For 72% of the days in 2022, the Air Quality Index daily values (from the monitor at Isla Blanca on SPI) showed GOOD air quality. In 2025, the number of GOOD air quality days dropped to 35%. This is unacceptable, especially when you consider the emissions from the actual liquefaction process to turn the fracked gas (being delivered by pipeline) into a liquid state. Cumulative impacts to air quality from the other industries planned for development in the Port of Brownsville must also be considered in a new Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).

2. Increasing Industrial Pressure

Multiple large-scale developments are planned for the Port of Brownsville, including: Saronic Technologies - Shipbuilding for autonomous surface vessels for the U.S. Navy
America First - A proposed crude oil refinery
Expanded SpaceX operations nearby with the acquisition of 712 acres of wildlife refuge land

These large projects will stress the availability of natural resources such as water, energy supply, and ship channel access. At the same time, SpaceX has approval for 25 annual launches and landings, and has expanded its footprint tremendously in the area not far from the Port, including a recent request for 712 acres of USFWS Refuge land surrounding their testing site. A new EIS is required to reassess these cumulative impacts.

3. Lack of Emergency Planning

With the addition of these projects, a more robust emergency response plan is also required. Note that an emergency response plan has yet to be shared with the public by NextDecade after almost 10 years of asking.

4. Ongoing Legal Challenges

An appeal was filed on 8/29/25 against the FERC Order on Remand by Vecinos para el Bienestar de la Comunidad Costera, the City of Port Isabel, South Texas Environmental Justice Network, and Sierra Club. They point out that FERC didn’t adequately address the carbon capture project and the effects of air pollution on nearby communities. Any consideration of Train 6 by FERC should be paused until the appeal is settled.

Your Voice Matters

Public input plays a critical role in holding decision-makers accountable. Taking a few minutes to submit a comment can help ensure that community health, safety, and environmental protections are not overlooked.

And Thank you for all you do!
DONATE (Every little bit helps!)

www.savergv.org
contact@savergv.org
https://www.facebook.com/saveRGVfromLNG

Membership (Consider becoming a member!)https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfEWmMSqieFLUBdDnAF...