Trans-Pecos Pipeline Represents a Threat to West Texas Safety and National Energy Security

A new report on the Trans-Pecos natural gas pipeline exposes the web of Wall Street and international financial interests bankrolling the project with the expectation of immense profit-taking if and when the pipeline comes to fruition. The report and accompanying data graphic from the advocacy group Food & Water Watch paints a grim picture for the health, safety and wellbeing of the Big Bend region: a dangerous, catastrophe-prone fossil fuel pipeline running through a sensitive ecological and cultural heritage region, with little benefit for local communities. If completed, the pipeline will deliver domestic gas to markets in Mexico, therefore contributing nothing to American energy independence or security.

"Our intention is to challenge the notion that this pipeline - and the broader policies focused on increasing oil and gas production - are really aligned with domestic economic and energy security," said Hugh MacMillan, senior researcher at Food & Water Watch and author of the report. "This report paints a clear picture of short-sighted banks sinking billions to further oil and gas dependence. This profit-driven agenda is pure climate science denial."

The report focuses especially on Energy Transfer, the fossil fuel infrastructure interest behind Trans-Pecos as well as the notorious Dakota Access pipeline. Also like Dakota Access, Trans-Pecos is being developed in the face of fierce opposition from Indigenous communities, whose sovereignty and tribal rights are being ignored.

"Corporations like Energy Transfer Partners are not willing to listen to or work with those they put at risk with their projects. They respond to public outcry with brutality and economic bullying. Money is the only language they speak; thus, economic boycott is the most powerful tool the American people have left to influence corporations and government. Divestment campaigns are the first step in Awakening this Power of Choice," said local Indigenous activist Lori Glover, co-founder of Two Rivers Camp and Big Bend Defense Coalition.

Additionally, legal proceedings are under way to prevent the operation of the near-complete pipeline. "While the Trans-Pecos Pipeline will almost certainly commence operations in April 2017, the efforts of the Big Bend Conservation Alliance, and others will continue to halt operation of the system, and prevent, or at least mitigate the threats and impacts of future systems until all legal due process has been exhausted," said Coyne Gibson of the Big Bend Conservation Alliance (BBCA). "BBCA is presently pursuing an appeal of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's (FERC) decision to deny requests for rehearing and rescission of its decision authorizing the Presidential Permit Package for CP15-500, the Presidio Crossing Project, associated with Energy Transfer Partner's Trans-Pecos Pipeline project. The appeal was filed January 3, 2017 with the District of Columbia Appellate Court, on docket DCA17-1002."