Proposed liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminals in the Rio Grande valley of Texas – citizen group participation versus natural gas corporations

Abstract

Purpose

In the Rio Grande Valley, natural gas corporations have proposed building up to five export terminals for shipping to overseas locations liquefied natural gas (LNG). The LNG terminals constructed would have adverse consequences for the people living in the area. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the conflict between citizen groups and corporations.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a narrative approach, theories by Boje, Debord, Bauman and Best and Kellner, the paper analyzes and tests the strategies and resources and stories utilized by proponents and opponents of the LNG terminals in the Port of Brownsville. Examined are internet media as artifacts for the analysis, in addition to an evaluation of political protests and demonstrations.

Findings

Corporate globalization may be halted because of resistance put forth by local opponents – citizen and environmental groups – offering resistance due to perceptions that the local economy and environment may be severely damaged.

Research limitations/implications

LNG corporate expansion continues globally. The research provides a glimpse into one how one locality may resist capitalist domination, protecting its own economy and environment.

Practical implications

The assessment provides a practical means to examine how local resistance may successfully avert unwanted fossil fuel industries.

Social implications

Local citizens’ groups may have the means necessary to stop the LNG terminals from locating in the Rio Grande Valley; however, capitalist globalization may be too much of an irresistible force to overcome.

Originality/value

This research paper demonstrates the conflict inherent to globalization through the economic and environmental consequences that occur when citizen groups oppose corporate fossil fuel expansion into their community.

Citation

Garrett, T. (2018), "Proposed liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminals in the Rio Grande valley of Texas – citizen group participation versus natural gas corporations", Journal of Global Responsibility, Vol. 9 No. 1, pp. 58-72. https://doi.org/10.1108/JGR-11-2017-0055