LNG Boom Brings Temp Workers, Woes for Local Fishermen

The Louisiana town of Cameron is experiencing an influx of temporary workers from out-of-state due to the construction of two liquefied natural gas (LNG) plants by Venture Global, a Virginia-based company valued at $36 billion. The CP1 plant has recently been completed and is fully operational, with the CP2 phase underway.

The plants are massive, covering over 327 football fields and having a permit to export more than 640 billion cubic feet of LNG per year. Local fishermen, including Brian DeBarge and Anthony 'Tad' Theriot, have expressed concerns about the impact on their livelihoods and the environment.

The fishermen claim that the construction has destroyed estuaries and oyster beds, making it difficult to find productive waters where they can make decent catches. Many have seen significant declines in income, with some struggling to afford healthcare and groceries.