Corpus Christi Residents Oppose $1.2B Desalination Plant Over Environmental Concerns

Concerns over a proposed desalination plant dominated the City Council meeting in Corpus Christi on September 2, 2025, as residents voiced strong opposition to the project, citing environmental risks and a lack of transparency.

During the meeting, community members expressed alarm over the plant's potential to discharge 66 million gallons of effluent into the bay daily, raising fears about the impact on local ecosystems. One resident, speaking passionately, emphasized the need for responsible desalination practices that prioritize environmental safeguards. "This project has been anything but transparent," they stated, urging the council to reconsider the plant's offshore discharge plans.

Amanda Breeland, a lifelong resident, echoed these sentiments, questioning the necessity of the plant given the city's current water supply. "We are not going to run out of water," she asserted, highlighting the community's frustration with what they perceive as corporate interests overshadowing public needs.

Tristan Cloudes criticized the council for failing to represent the voices of marginalized neighborhoods, particularly in light of historical environmental injustices. "This plant is risky, it is costly, and the people have made it clear that we do not want desalination," Cloudes declared, calling for council members to prioritize the health and safety of residents over corporate profits.

As public comments continued, many residents shared their concerns about the financial implications of the desalination project, arguing that the city should focus on more pressing community needs, such as infrastructure and public services. "We can't afford the debt," said Alejandro Benavides, emphasizing that the proposed $2 billion project would burden future generations.

The meeting underscored a growing divide between community members advocating for environmental responsibility and city officials perceived as prioritizing corporate interests. As the council prepares to make a decision, the voices of Corpus Christi residents remain clear: they demand accountability and a commitment to protecting their environment and community.