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Tell Japanese companies to break up with dirty gas projects in the US Gulf

Last updated: February 2024

Japanese companies such as Mitsubishi Corporation (MC), JERA and Mizuho FG, MUFG, and SMBC Groups, are driving the growth of new polluting LNG (liquified natural gas) terminals in the climate-vulnerable US Gulf Coast.¹

Communities in the US Gulf Coast are grappling with health issues, loss of livelihoods and the destruction of important wetlands stemming from existing LNG projects. Adding new LNG infrastructure will only exacerbate these problems. While the pollution in the Gulf from petrochemical companies has long been documented, the LNG projects in the area are adding to these health impacts such as skin problems and respiratory conditions like asthma. Fisherfolk in the area have been experiencing loss of livelihoods, who have seen a sharp decline in shrimp catch since the operation of LNG terminals. These LNG projects also jeopardize invaluable wetlands in the region, which serve as a vital ecological resource for communities.

Given the myriad of issues faced by communities in the Gulf Coast, global net zero emissions commitments and the companies’ own commitments, there is an escalating and urgent demand for Japanese corporations to reconsider their participation in new or expansionary LNG infrastructure projects in the region. Taking the US government’s pause on approvals for LNG export terminals as a clear sign and opportunity, Japanese financial institutions should withdraw funding from any new LNG investments, including those permitted or licensed but not yet under construction.

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Tell Japanese companies to break up 💔 with dirty gas projects in the US Gulf

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Dear Sir,

I wish you a Valentine's Day filled with love and warmth. On this day dedicated to love and compassion, I am reaching out to you with a heartfelt request to reconsider the involvement of your company in the expansion of LNG infrastructure in the Gulf USA.

The current buildout of LNG projects in the US Gulf, including those sponsored and or contracted by JERA, sponsored by Mitsubishi Corporation, and financed by MUFG, Mizuho and SMBC Group, is not aligned with the imperative to achieve net-zero emissions. As key players in the industry, it is essential for Japanese corporations to lead by example and prioritise investments that are consistent with a sustainable future.

In addition to the risks posed to climate goals and corporate commitments, these LNG projects have adverse effects on the delicate wetland ecosystems in the Gulf region. The expansion contributes to the degradation of these gorgeous wetlands and to the loss of livelihoods of fisherfolk who already have seen a decline in their catch due to the LNG and other fossil fuel-related buildout. LNG projects in the area will also have a cumulative effect on detrimental health impacts caused by pollution from petrochemical companies in the Gulf which have long been documented.

The local communities in the Gulf region are facing serious risks from extreme weather events exacerbated by climate change. The ongoing frequency of hurricanes poses a direct threat to impoverished communities, which struggle to recover from one disaster before being hit by the next.

In the spirit of Valentine's Day, I kindly request your company to reconsider its involvement in new or expansionary LNG infrastructure in the Gulf USA. The concept of love must extend beyond personal relationships and embrace a broader responsibility for our environment, communities, and the livelihoods they support. Love is about taking care of our wetlands, communities, and the livelihoods of fisherfolk, all while actively tackling climate change.

Thank you for your thoughtful consideration. May this Valentine's Day inspire choices that reflect the love we hold for our planet and its inhabitants.

Warm regards,

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TOOK ACTION: Tell Japanese companies to break-up with dirty gas projects in the US gulf - Feb 2024

¹ MC is a sponsor of Cameron LNG and plans to participate in its expansion. JERA purchases LNG from Cameron and Calcasieu Pass, with a recent agreement to offtake from Calcasieu Pass 2 and is a sponsor of Freeport LNG. Mizuho FG, MUFG and SMBC Group have provided financing for Cameron LNG, Freeport LNG and Calcasieu Pass LNG.

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