The pipeline that worries the coast
Fishermen from Veracruz have their eyes on the Gulf. They do not look at the horizon looking for fish, but rather keeping an eye on a 700 kilometer long tube that runs underwater. The Puerta al Sureste gas pipeline, completed last year, keeps them up at night.
“It represents a permanent risk for our main source of income,” warn communities like Los Arrecifes.
They talk about possible leaks and the damage that the installation has already caused. Their fear is well-founded: this project by TC Energy and the CFE connects Texas with Tabasco to bring gas to power plants, including Dos Bocas. And they plan to extend it to Yucatán.
The legal battle that does not stop
Here comes the good thing. At least 15 coastal communities, many Nahua and Nuntajiiyi indigenous people, filed a lawsuit. Their argument is forceful: no one asked them.
The Constitution requires prior consultation for projects like this. The appeal was rejected in the first instance, but is still under appeal. Those affected insist on something basic: they do not know what real consequences the pipeline will have on their territory.
Meanwhile, environmental organizations launch another alert. Dredging to bury infrastructure and the risk of methane leaks could harm mesophotic marine ecosystems in the Gulf.
These areas have high biodiversity but little official protection. An incident here would be irreversible. The question remains floating like the gas transported by the controversial pipeline: who is responsible if something goes wrong?
