Right now, oil giants Enterprise and Chevron are proposing to build a massive crude oil storage facility, offshore pipeline, and export terminal off the coast of Freeport, Texas. The project is called the Sea Port Oil Terminal, or SPOT, and is an immediate threat to our Texas coastal communities, to our delicate environment, and to the Kemp’s ridley sea turtle – world’s most endangered sea turtle. (Click here to learn more about the background and impacts of the proposed project.)
We have until June 1, 2020 to make our voices heard and ask the Maritime Administration of the U.S. Department of Transportation to reject this project by submitting public comments on the Federal Register.
Publicly submitted comments have an impact and help agency policy makers improve federal regulations. A comment can express simple support or dissent for a regulatory action. However, a constructive, information-rich comment that clearly communicates and supports its claims is more likely to have an impact on regulatory decision making.
You can visit federalregister.gov to comment directly on the proposed rule until June 1, 2020. Below is a sample comment you can copy and paste as your comment, and add your own input if you like:
Re: Deepwater Port License Application – SPOT Terminal Services LLC. Docket Number: MARAD-2019-0011
Dear Mr. Nabach and Ms. Fields:
I am writing to express opposition to SPOT Terminal LLC’s application for a Deepwater Port License from the Maritime Administration, and raise concerns with significant inadequacies in the project’s environmental review.
I am deeply concerned… [choose one, or all, depending on your personal feelings, and feel free to edit or add language for your comments.]
… that construction and operation of the export facility would only benefit the commercial oil and gas industry at the detriment to local communities, the Gulf of Mexico’s coastal and marine ecosystems, and the global climate.
…of the potentially catastrophic impacts of a major oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. It has been ten years since the Deepwater Horizon disaster and our marine ecosystems and coastal communities are still recovering. In fact, a recent study showed that every single species of fish tested in the Gulf contained oil within them.
…the environmental analysis (DEIS) does not adequately analyze the risks to endangered sea turtles, especially the critically endangered kemp’s ridley sea turtle. More than half of the upper Texas coast nest locations are located straight through the proposed pipeline.
…the impacts from air pollution emissions associated with this project, especially localized emissions on the community, because the region is already at risk, having been classified as non-attainment for EPA’s health-based air quality standards.
…the increased greenhouse gas emissions associated with this project. MARAD has not analyzed the effects that this pipeline will have on climate change and they must fully do so before proceeding.
…the environmental analysis conducted by MARAD does not consider environmental justice impacts of the pipeline, which could be substantial. The toxic pollution associated with oil and gas construction will disproportionately burden low-income minority communities.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
[your name]