Local groups urge commissioners to deny LNG tax breaks

BROWNSVILLE, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Several local organizations are urging Cameron County commissioners to vote no to giving new tax breaks to Texas LNG and Rio Grande Valley LNG projects.

The groups protested outside the Cameron County courthouse earlier today arguing that the two companies proposed projects would cause harm to the economy, environment and resident's health.

The LNG company plans to include a new gas liquefication terminal at the Port of Brownsville.

The groups say the toxic chemicals released by this pipeline could harm local trees and plants, and even cause respiratory issues among residents.

"They would be the biggest polluters in the Valley and this could cost us jobs and ecotourism, shrimping, fishing," said Bekah Hinojosa, with the South Texas Environmental Justice Network. "Its clear that LNG companies are a bad deal."

Hinojosa argues that these billion dollar corporations do not need to avoid paying taxes.

June 4 is the deadline to make a public comment on the tax abatements and advocates are urging residents to come out and make their voices heard.