On Monday, environmental justice advocates were arrested outside the CERAWeek energy conference, a key gathering for energy officials and oil and gas executives in Houston. The demonstrations were sparked by comments made by Chris Wright, the U.S. Secretary of Energy under President Trump, who faced significant backlash for his pro-fossil fuel rhetoric at the event.

Wright’s Remarks Criticized by Environmental Advocates

Chris Wright, who previously led a fracking company and is known for substantial financial contributions to Trump’s campaign, was criticized for embodying the close relationship between the Trump administration and the fossil fuel sector. Allie Rosenbluth, a campaign manager at Oil Change International, pointed out that Wright’s speech demonstrated a readiness to prioritize fossil fuel profits over community and climate well-being. She highlighted the $445 million spent by the fossil fuel industry to influence the Trump administration and Congress during the last election cycle.

“We have a human right to breathe clean air, drink clean water, and spread our roots in our homes. We cannot do that as long as these poisonous companies continue to encroach on our communities,” said Jake Hernandez from Texas Campaign for the Environment.

Commitment to Natural Gas Amid Controversies

During his address at CERAWeek, which is organized by S&P Global, Wright reaffirmed his commitment to promoting natural gas production. He criticized the Biden administration’s climate policies, labeling them as “irrational” and claiming they impose undue sacrifices on citizens. Although he rejected the label of climate change denier, he characterized climate change simply as a byproduct of modern industrial development, dismissing claims that renewable energy sources could adequately replace fossil fuels.

Project Developments and Local Response

While in Texas, Wright also announced an extension for Delfin LNG, a proposed offshore liquefied natural gas export terminal near the Louisiana coast. This announcement led to further criticism from environmental advocates, with Kelsey Crane of Earthworks stating that it indicates Wright’s alignment with the interests of oil and gas entities. Crane emphasized that the project has undergone significant changes since its initial approval six years ago, suggesting that promoting such initiatives disregards the impact on local communities.

Protests Highlight Concerns over Fossil Fuel Projects

As Wright spoke, hundreds of activists participated in a “March for Future Generations,” calling for an end to new fossil fuel projects and government subsidies for the fossil fuel industry. The police arrested eight demonstrators who briefly obstructed a street near the conference. They voiced their concerns about the environmental and social implications of LNG projects in their communities, particularly in low-income and minority communities.

Voices from the Community

During a press conference in a nearby park, Bekah Hinojosa, co-founder of the South Texas Environmental Justice Network, shared her community’s ten-year opposition to various LNG projects, asserting that they would exacerbate environmental racism. Participants highlighted their experiences with the negative consequences of LNG developments, reinforcing the demand for cleaner, equitable energy solutions.

Conclusion

The juxtaposition of corporate energy advocacy at CERAWeek and grassroots activism underscores the mounting tension surrounding fossil fuel policies under the Trump administration. As communities continue to rally for environmental justice, the future of energy production remains a pivotal point of contention.