Big Oil Asks Government to Protect It from Climate Change

As government and business upgrade defenses against the more powerful storms and higher tides expected from climate change, one ambitious proposal stands out: building a 60-mile “spine” of flood protection on the Texas Gulf Coast.

The plan would create a system of concrete seawalls, earthen barriers, floating gates and steel levees along the coast from the Louisiana border to industrial enclaves south of Houston. The stretch of shore is home to one of the world’s largest concentrations of petrochemical facilities, including most of Texas’ 30 refineries, which represent 30% of the nation’s refining capacity.

Texas is seeking at least $12 billion – nearly all from public funds. Last month, the government fast-tracked $3.9 billion for three separate, smaller storm barrier projects to protect oil facilities.

Outspoken critics of federal spending, Texas Sens. John Cornyn and Ted Cruz both backed using taxpayer funds to fortify the oil facilities’ protections.

Oil and chemical companies also pushed for more protection for surrounding communities to shield their workforces, but “not every property can be protected,” said Sheri Willey, deputy chief of project management for the Army Corps of Engineers’ upper Texas district.

“Our regulations tell us what benefits we need to include, and they have to be national economic benefits,” Willey said.

(more on Gulf Coast flood protection funding . . . )