Gulf Fishermen Condemn CP2 LNG final investment decision and $600 billion European Union trade deal: “A Death Sentence for Our Coast”

Photo by James Hiatt, For A Better Bayou

Cameron Parish, LA — The fishermen and families of Cameron Parish are denouncing the investment into building CP2 LNG, calling it an act of environmental violence pushed forward by fossil fuel profiteers, foreign energy interests, and political leaders who have abandoned frontline communities.

The decision follows this week’s final investment announcement by Venture Global [BusinessWire, July 28, 2025] and the European Union’s new pledge to purchase $15 billion in U.S. gas over the next three years [Upstream, July 2025]. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission granted initial approval for CP2 in June 2024 under the FERC panel, before the Biden administration lifted its LNG export pause. The export license enabling shipments to non‑FTA countries was conditionally granted by the Trump administration’s DOE in March 2025.

“We knew it was gonna happen. It’s discouraging that we already see what's happening to us, and it looks like to me it's gonna get worse. It’s heartbreaking. We never had trouble before they came. They say they ain’t hurtin' us, but somebody is, something is going on. We’re struggling, but we’re still here.” — Captain Ray Mallet, Cameron Parish Fisherman

Venture Global’s existing Calcasieu Pass facility, CP1, has a documented history of consistent emissions violations and inaccurate projections of said emission levels. CP1 has repeatedly released dangerous levels of pollution into the air, failed to meet basic equipment and reporting standards, and refused transparency with regulators and the public. It is appalling that CP2 has been given the green light without accurately addressing these operating concerns or demonstrating that the same failures will not occur again.

“I don’t think they should have given them the OK to move on with CP2 just because they put in for it over and over again: they don't have the right permits or safety measures in place, and they aren’t doing it the right way… With all the community getting sick with one of them, it's not nice to put another one in without figuring out what the first one does first.” — Solomon Williams, Cameron Parish Fishermen

“Going forward with CP2, they need to release a statement about the guidelines and safety measures they are going to take before this project takes off. What are the regulations? Show me how the new facility is going to emit less than the old facility. How is this one better?” — Jay Williams, SWLA resident and the FACTS Council Member

Venture Global LNG has come under harsh criticism from Cameron Parish residents and local fishermen for the coinciding decimation of their catch and livelihoods. Fishermen report significant declines in fish populations and disruptions to traditional fishing grounds since CP1 began construction, forcing many to travel farther from home to make a living. Alongside economic hardship, community members have raised serious concerns about increasing health issues, including respiratory problems and other illnesses, which they attribute to the facility’s pollution and air emissions. These impacts have deepened the distress within the parish, highlighting the urgent need for accountability and stronger environmental protections.

“CP2 moving forward is a death sentence to Cameron Parish and the fishing industry of Southwest Louisiana. LNG exports have cost American families their lives and livelihoods, and this is just the beginning. LNG Export facilities do irreparable damage to our atmosphere through leaked methane emissions, and to the health of our communities through excessive cancer-causing air emissions. Anyone moving these forward should be ashamed of investing in killing our communities.” — Misha Mayeur, Director of Communications, Habitat Recovery Project, Gulf South resident

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