Banks| Policies| Dodgy Deals| Campaigns
About us| Blog| Publications| Successes| Contact us| Donate
About BankTrack
Visit us
Organisation
Our team
Our board
Guiding principles
Team up with us
Jobs at BankTrack
Our annual reports
Funding and finances
History
BankTrack in the media
Our privacy policy
Donate
2023-01-23 00:00:00
Berta Cáceres: new rules for banks could help stop defender killings
2023-01-16 00:00:00
In the balance: Why European due diligence legislation must cover financial services
2022-12-08 00:00:00
Exposed: Western banks funding Qatar’s carbon bombs
2022-12-08 00:00:00
Right-wing attack on sustainable finance is the latest form of climate denial
2022-12-14 11:08:26
HSBC announces it will no longer finance new oil and gas fields
2022-10-13 15:56:39
More major banks and insurers refuse to support EACOP
2022-09-16 10:38:48
European Parliament passes emergency resolution against human rights violations & environmental threats linked to EACOP
2022-06-27 09:49:16
Crédit Agricole takes first step to phase out from the oil and gas sector
Connect
2022-11-22 00:00:00
Banking on Thin Ice: Two years in the heat
2022-11-17 00:00:00
BankTrack Global Human Rights Benchmark 2022
2022-10-21 00:00:00
Burning forests in the name of clean energy? How banks are failing to exclude the harmful wood biomass industry from finance
2022-06-28 00:00:00
The East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP): Finance Risk Update No. 3
2022-04-05 00:00:00
The BankTrack Human Rights Benchmark Asia
2022-03-30 00:00:00
Banking on Climate Chaos 2022
See all publications
Browse
Home
Banks
Policies
Dodgy Deals
Campaigns
About
About BankTrack
Donate
Contact BankTrack
Publications
Victories
Follow Us
News
BankTrack blog
Facebook
Twitter Fossil Banks No Thanks Twitter Fossil Banks No Thanks Instagram
Affiliate Websites
Fossil Banks No Thanks
StopEACOP
Forests & Finance
Banks & Biodiversity
Drop JBS
Bank of Coal
Don't Buy into Occupation
Home › Projects
Annova LNG Terminal United States
About
Financiers
Companies
Impacts
Brief history
Documents
News
Media
Links
Updates
About
Financiers
Companies
Impacts
Brief history
Documents
News
Media
Links
Timeline

On record

This profile is no longer actively maintained, with the information now possibly out of date

Send feedback on this profile
Download as PDF
By: BankTrack & Rainforest Action Network
Created on: 2017-08-04 10:34:28
Last update: 2021-03-25 09:11:43

Contact:

Alison Kirsch, Climate and Energy Program and Research Coordinator, Rainforest Action Network


Share this page:

Annova LNG export terminal would be located close to Bahia Grande wetlands. Photo: Rainforest Action Network et al - 2019 fracked gas-terminals report
Sector LNG Terminal
Location
Status
Cancelled
Design
Agreement
Construction
Operation
Closure
Decommission
Website http://annovalng.com/

About Annova LNG Terminal

In the port of Brownsville in Texas, Exelon is planning to build the Annova LNG export terminal. If built, the LNG terminal would sit beside the Brownsville Ship Channel and require 650 acres of land. The proposed site is about eight miles from the Gulf of Mexico. The facility would be operational by 2022 and is expected to export 6.5 million tonnes yearly. The project is estimated to cost USD 3 billion. Next to this LNG Terminal, there are two other terminals planned to be constructed in the Port of Brownsville (Texas LNG and Rio Grande LNG).

Latest developments

Annova LNG project cancelled

2021-03-22 00:00:00

Lawsuits challenge approval of Rio Grande and Annova fracked gas export facilities in Texas for harm to endangered Ocelot

2020-04-20 00:00:00

Why this profile?

The proposed Annova LNG terminal would be located close to coastal wetlands and threaten the Bahia Grande area of the Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife refuge, where wetland restoration is still ongoing.

What must happen

In general LNG export terminals are capital-intensive, financially risky and environmentally destructive. Financial institutions involved in these projects share responsibility for the impacts of these facilities. These impacts span people and ecosystems across the continent: communities around the terminal site, communities at the point of extraction and communities along the pipeline routes.

By financing practices that are incompatible with a climate-stable future, the financial institutions involved threaten the global agreement to address climate change. Therefore, banks involved should withdraw their commitment to this project.

Impacts

Social and human rights impacts

The public health impacts of climate change in U.S. Gulf Coast states—Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida—may be especially severe and further exacerbated by a range of threats facing the coastline areas, including severe erosion, subsidence, and—given the amount of energy production infrastructure—the ever-present potential for large-scale industrial accidents. The Gulf Coast population is expected to reach over 74 million by 2030 with a growing number of people living along the coastlines. Populations in the region that are already vulnerable because of economic or other disparities may face additional risks to health and well-being as a consequence of a changing climate, creating new levels of concern for political and public health leaders.

Communities that would feel the negative impacts of the LNG terminals are often low-income people of colour. The Annova LNG terminal will be located between the Laguna Madre communities and next to Brownsville, a rural community that is 93 percent Hispanic or Latino. More than 35 percent of the Rio Grande Valley's residents live in poverty, the highest rate of any metropolitan area in the United States. Already this region struggles with major health issues. These projects would add thousands of tons of pollutants into the air. Across the United States nearly 1.78 million Latinos already live in areas that face a cancer risk above the EPA's level of concern from toxins emitted by oil and gas facilities. Industrial ozone smog burdens Latino communities with 153,000 childhood asthma attacks and 112,000 lost school days each year.

If built, this LNG terminal could significantly impact the local fishing, shrimping and ecotourism industries. Nearby South Padre Island could have its beauty and its economy compromised by the release of effluent water, and the brown haze that would come with the thousands of tons of air pollution.

In the Rio Grande Valley, nature tourism alone leads to 6,600 jobs. In contrast, an LNG terminal creates mostly temporary construction jobs and only a few hundred permanent ones.

For more information on the gendered and racial impacts of the fossil fuel industry in North America, including this LNG terminal, see WECAN's 2021 report "Gendered and Racial Impacts of the Fossil Fuel Industry in North America and Complicit Financial Institutions". 

Environmental and climate impacts

The terminal is proposed right on the edge of what the US Fish and Wildlife Service calls "one of the largest and most succesful coastal wetland restoration projects in the US": the Bahia Grande unit of the Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife refuge, where wetland restoration is still ongoing. The 21,700 acre refuge is a safe haven for a range of species and native vegetation, as well as a crucial storm barrier. Endangered ocelots and Aplomado falcons roam this area. As of August 2015 only 53 ocelots were left in Texas, all in this area of the state. Construction, bright lights, tall structures, air pollution and wastewater will fundamentally alter the ecosystem of the area.

With these three terminals (Rio Grande LNG, Texas LNG and Annova LNG) exporting at full capacity, burning just one year's worth of the gas exported from Brownsville would create greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to the annual emissions of 30 coal-fired power plants. Accounting for extracting, piping, liquefying and shipping the gas nearly doubles the carbon intensity of energy produced from RGV's exported LNG. LNG is the most carbon-intensive form of natural gas.

Governance

Timeline

Annova LNG project cancelled

2021-03-22 00:00:00

On 22 March 2021, Annova announced the “immediate discontinuation” of the 6.5 million metric tons/year (mmty) export project in a letter filed Monday with FERC. The letter asked the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to vacate the project’s authorization. (Natural Gas Intelligence). Annova LNG, backed by Exelon, Black and Veatch, Enbridge, and Kiewit Energy group, was one of three fracked gas export terminals proposed for the Rio Grande Valley. If built, Annova LNG would have destroyed wetlands, blocked a wildlife corridor threatening the survival of endangered wildlife, and put communities needlessly at risk. (Sierra Club)

Lawsuits challenge approval of Rio Grande and Annova fracked gas export facilities in Texas for harm to endangered Ocelot

2020-04-20 00:00:00

Today, environmental groups filed a lawsuit challenging the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s (FWS) approval of the massive Annova LNG fracked gas export terminal proposed for southern Texas. The suit was filed in conjunction to one the groups filed last week challenging the Rio Grande fracked gas export facility proposed for the same area. These projects threaten to contribute to the extinction of the endangered ocelot in the U.S.

FERC authorizes Annova LNG project

2019-11-22 00:00:00

Annova LNG received its FERC authorization from the U.S. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to construct and operate its mid-sized liquefied natural gas (LNG) export facility located in Brownsville, Texas (Annova LNG press release).

Annova LNG receives final Environmental Impact Statement from FERC

2019-04-19 00:00:00

Annova LNG received its final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) from the U.S. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (Annova LNG press release).

Final Investment Decision expected in Q2 2018

2017-08-01 00:00:00

According to AnnovaLNG the Final Investment Decision is expected in early 2018, depending also on FERC approval (source AnnovaLNG).

FERC requests analysis of risks associated with the proximity of SpaceX launch pad

2016-11-01 00:00:00

Federal Energy Regulatory Commision (FERC) has requested that the companies behind three proposed LNG terminals hire external experts to determine the risks of having the SpaceX launch pad nearby, in case of a failed launch. This request comes after a failed rocket launch on September 1st, during which a rocket exploded. FERC has deemed the additional information necessary to complete the Environmental Impact Statement.

Financiers

In May 2016 Annova LNG's parent company Exelon extended its revolving credit facility, financed by thirty financial institutions, to USD 600 million (maturing in May 2021). See below for details on financial institutions involved.

Related companies

Annova LNG is a 100 percent subsidiary of US energy company Exelon.

Project sponsor

Exelon United States

Owner of Annova LNG

Other companies

Annova LNG United States

Bowie Resources United States

Enbridge Canada show profile

Pipeline Transportation of Crude Oil | Oil and Gas Extraction | Pipeline Transportation of Natural Gas

News

| |
Type:
Year:
blog
external news
our news

Rio Grande Valley: at risk from fracked gas terminals

Big banks step away
2022-10-18 | Rainforest Action Network
blog
external news
our news

New report details the gendered and racial impacts of the fossil fuel industry in North America and complicit financial institutions

2021-04-14 | San Francisco Bay Area, California | WECAN
blog
external news
our news

Plans for Annova LNG Fracked Gas Export Terminal Ditched

2021-03-22 | Sierra Club
blog
external news
our news

Lawsuits challenge approval of Rio Grande and Annova fracked gas export facilities in Texas for harm to endangered ocelot

US FWS violated the Endangered Species Act, putting ocelot at risk of extinction
2020-04-20 | New Orleans | Sierra Club, Sierra Club
blog
external news
our news

Banking on Climate Change – Fossil Fuel Finance Report Card 2020

New report reveals global banks funneled USD 2.7 trillion into fossil fuels Since Paris Climate Agreement, with financing on the rise each year 
2020-03-18 | Nijmegen | BankTrack, Indigenous Environmental Network, Oil Change International, Rainforest Action Network, Reclaim Finance, Sierra Club
blog
external news
our news

FERC denies rehearing of Texas LNG Brownsville and Annova LNG Brownsville Project Authorizations

2020-02-21 | Lexology.com
blog
external news
our news

Opponents of Texas Port LNG terminals inch closer to lawsuit

2020-01-27 | Ttnews.com
blog
external news
our news

Annova LNG and Enbridge Sign Pipeline Agreement

2020-01-22 | Annova LNG press release
blog
external news
our news

Rio Grande Valley: Big banks urged not to back high risk fracked-gas export terminals

2019-08-14 | BankTrack
blog
external news
our news

New Report: Banks and Investors Should Avoid Supporting Rio Grande Valley LNG Projects

Three proposed fracked gas export terminals would pose reputational risks for financial institutions
2019-07-10 | Rainforest Action Network
blog
external news
our news

Looming LNG Pipeline Construction Raising Concerns for Tourism Businesses

2017-12-12 | Rio Grande Valley, Texas | Channel 5 News
blog
external news
our news

BNP Paribas takes further measures to accelerate its support of the energy transition

BNP Paribas will no longer finance LNG terminals that predominantly liquefy and export gas from shale
2017-10-11 | BNP Paribas
blog
external news
our news

I Followed LNG’s Financial Backers All The Way to Paris, France

2017-03-31 | Sierra Club
blog
external news
our news

Commentary: RGV native lands threatened by LNGs

2017-02-20 | The Monitor
blog
external news
our news

RAN: Texas Rio Grande Valley Under Threat from Natural Gas

2016-10-31 | TriplePundit
blog
external news
our news

Once Again, School District Shuts Down Tax Break for Gas Exporter

2016-09-22 | The Texas Observer
blog
external news
our news

Annova Makes It Official With FERC - Seeks LNG for the Valley

2016-07-15 | Sierra Club
blog
external news
our news

Second wave of Texas LNG export projects could take off in the next decade

2016-06-27 | The Houston Chronicle
blog
external news
our news

Island council mulls LNG

2015-09-02 | The Brownsville Herald

Documents

Type:
Year:
ngo documents
2022-10-01 00:00:00

Rio Grande Valley: At Risk From Fracked-Gas Exports 2022 Update

2022-10-01 00:00:00 | Rainforest Action Network, Les Amis de la Terre, Save RGV, Carrizo Comecrudo Tribe of Texas
ngo documents
2021-06-24 00:00:00

Nervous Money: Global LNG Terminals Update 2021

2021-06-24 00:00:00 | Global Energy Monitor
ngo documents
2021-04-14 00:00:00

Gendered and Racial Impacts of the Fossil Fuel Industry in North America and Complicit Financial Institutions

A Call to Action for the Health of our Communities and Nature in the Climate Crisis
2021-04-14 00:00:00 | WECAN
ngo documents
2021-03-25 00:00:00

Shrimpers and Fisherman for RGV request for analysis of whether Annova LNG's cancellation frees capacity on the Valley Crossing Pipeline that could be used in lieu of a second Rio Bravo pipeline Under CP20-481 et. al

2021-03-25 00:00:00 | Sierra Club
company documents
2021-03-22 00:00:00

Media Statement on Annova LNG Project

2021-03-22 00:00:00 | Annova LNG
annual reports
2019-06-30 00:00:00

Exelon csr report 2018

2019-06-30 00:00:00 | Exelon
annual reports
2020-02-25 00:00:00

Exelon annual report 2019

2020-02-25 00:00:00 | Exelon
other documents
2016-05-26 00:00:00

Exelon credit facility 8-K form, May 2016

2016-05-26 00:00:00 | US Securities & Exchange Commission
ngo documents
2016-10-01 00:00:00

Rio Grande Valley: At Risk from Fracked-Gas Export Terminals

2016-10-01 00:00:00 | Rainforest Action Network
other documents
2017-07-19 00:00:00

FERC project update on Annova LNG Brownsville project

2017-07-19 00:00:00 | FERC
ngo documents
2016-11-06 00:00:00

A bridge to nowhere

The climate, human rights & financial risks of liquified natural gas export
2016-11-06 00:00:00 | Rainforest Action Network

Media

RGV LNG export terminals sites

Links

The Annova LNG Brownsville project overview

Website by Annova, overview of LNG Brownsville project

http://www.rgvforlng.com/the-project/

Lower Rio Grande Valley Sierra Club

Campaign Facebook page of Sierra Club

https://www.facebook.com/Lower-Rio-Grande-Valley-Sierra-Club-135992229800248/

Global Energy Monitor profile on Annova LNG Brownsville terminal

https://www.gem.wiki/Annova_LNG_Brownsville_Terminal

Brief history

Gas, mostly derived from fracking, is piped to the coast, supercooled and compressed into a liquid - liquefied natural gas (LNG). Due to over-extraction from fracking the USA faces an oversupply of natural gas. Across North America companies are planning to build dozens of LNG export terminals. These infrastuctures span hundreds of acres. Each facility connects to a network of pipelines that are fed from fracking sites. There are 40 of these proposed and existing facilities in the USA, and 80 percent of them are situated along the Gulf Coast. The three terminals in the Rio Grande area (Rio Grande LNG, Texas LNG and Annova LNG) have each received authorisation from the Department of Energy (DOE) to export their LNG overseas.

In 2019 and 2020, Annova LNG was approved by the FERC, DOE and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). However, citing "changes in the global LNG market, the project was cancelled in March 2021.

Browse
Home
Banks
Policies
Dodgy Deals
Campaigns
About
About BankTrack
Donate
Contact BankTrack
Publications
Victories
Follow Us
News
BankTrack blog
Facebook
Twitter Fossil Banks No Thanks Twitter Fossil Banks No Thanks Instagram
Affiliate Websites
Fossil Banks No Thanks
StopEACOP
Forests & Finance
Banks & Biodiversity
Drop JBS
Bank of Coal
Don't Buy into Occupation
Vismarkt 15
6511 VJ Nijmegen
The Netherlands

Tel: +31 24 324 9220
Contact@banktrack.org
©2016 BankTrack                Webdesign by BankTrack and EASYmind
BankTrack is a registered charity in the Netherlands (ANBI) - RSIN 813874658
Find our privacy policy here

Stay up to date

Sign up now for all BankTrack's news


Make a comment

Your comment will be reviewed, before being posted