Austin News

U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) has called on the U.S. Department of Defense to either terminate or suspend the environmental permit for the Blue Hills Wind Farm site in northern Val Verde County, Texas. In a letter dated July 10, 2024, Cornyn cited security concerns regarding the purchase of 130,000 acres of land near Laughlin Air Force Base by Sun Guangxin, an oligarch with ties to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).

Cornyn wrote: “Over the past few years, I have been monitoring the ongoing saga of the Blue Hills Wind Farm located in Val Verde County Texas.” He added, “The Air Force and other military branches use this area’s low level training routes, and the project is associated with members of the Chinese Communist Party.”

He further stated: “Extending the current mitigation agreement without fully understanding any ongoing connection to the Chinese is unwise and short-sighted.”

In his letter addressed to Mr. Sample, Cornyn emphasized that protecting military missions, including training at Laughlin AFB, is paramount. He requested that the mitigation agreement for this project be terminated or suspended indefinitely until a thorough investigation can be conducted.

Cornyn highlighted several key areas justifying his request:

1. Long-term association with a known party hostile to the United States:

- Sun Guangxin acquired 130,000 acres near Laughlin AFB intending to erect wind turbines.

- The development could impede military missions and present national security threats.

- Sun Guangxin's background includes being a senior leader in the Chinese Military and involvement in Xinjiang Province.

2. Environmental sensitivity:

- The Blue Hills Wind farm site is along Laughlin AFB flight paths.

- Local opposition includes Val Verde County Commissioners Court and Del Rio Chamber of Commerce.

Cornyn expressed concerns about potential ongoing Chinese involvement through Greenalia's acquisition of Carma Ranch from Sun Guangxin.

He also called for additional due diligence if termination isn't possible:

- Secure copies of all transactional agreements between involved parties.

- Update on CFIUS review status.

- Investigate compliance with AFIDA.

- Obtain transmission studies and economic viability analyses.

- Review communications between ERCOT and related entities.

- Examine project pro-forma illustrating financial returns considering constraints.

Cornyn concluded by thanking Mr. Sample for his attention to this matter and expressed anticipation for a response.