The White House has recently announced a pause in the approval of projects seeking to export liquefied natural gas (LNG) as part of a climate review. This decision comes as efforts to combat climate change are being prioritized by the Biden administration. The move has been met with both praise and concern from various stakeholders.
One individual who has experienced the repercussions of living near LNG terminals is Roysheda Hussain, founder of the grassroots environmental justice group, the Vessel Project of Louisiana. Hussain resides in Sulphur, Louisiana, a town in close proximity to major LNG facilities. She describes the challenges of living in an area surrounded by petrochemical and plastic polluting gas and oil facilities, as well as three LNG terminals.
Living in Sulphur means coping with the constant presence of the pungent odor of rotten eggs in the air, generated by the emissions from these industries. In addition, the residents have to endure the sounds of continuous flaring, imitating the noise of passing trains. Hussain's personal experience is compounded by the health issues suffered by her children, including asthma and other respiratory and skin conditions, often attributed to long-term exposure to industrial pollutants.
The visuals provided by Hussain showcase the ominous orange glow created by flares used to intentionally release excess products from the facilities, as a safety measure to avoid explosions. These flares are seen from Hussain's front doorstep, emphasizing the close proximity of the LNG facilities to residential areas. Despite the potential dangers, plans for the construction of more facilities along the Gulf Coast continue to raise concerns about the safety of nearby communities.
The recent decision by the Biden administration to pause the review of new LNG export facilities has been heralded by Hussain as a significant step forward in the fight for climate justice. She highlights that LNG facilities release excessive amounts of methane pollution, making them even more harmful than coal. Additionally, she questions the reasoning behind locating these facilities near communities and schools, endangering the wellbeing of local residents, including children attending nearby schools.
Critics who suggest that affected individuals should simply move away fail to acknowledge the attachment and deep-rooted connection people have to their homes and communities. Hussain emphasizes that Louisiana is not only a place where people live, but also a destination that attracts visitors from all over the world for its vibrant culture, celebrations like the current Mardi Gras season, and esteemed seafood industry.
While advocating for sustainable resources and a transition away from reliance on fossil fuels, Hussain emphasizes the importance of community involvement in decision-making processes. By prioritizing the health and safety of residents, she believes that a brighter and more sustainable future can be achieved without sacrificing the unique identity and livelihoods associated with Louisiana.
The pause on LNG export facility approvals by the White House represents a significant step towards prioritizing people's well-being and environmental sustainability. The testimonies and experiences shared by individuals like Roysheda Hussain shed light on the urgent need for a transition towards cleaner energy sources and the importance of including affected communities in shaping their own futures.
