U.S. Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas) has announced the approval of the Rio Grande LNG facility and its associated pipeline by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). The commission’s final order allows the energy project to move forward in the Rio Grande Valley.
Senator Cruz stated, “I am proud to have led the fight to secure federal authorization for the Rio Grande LNG project. This new LNG export facility supports thousands of jobs in the Rio Grande Valley, brings billions of dollars in investment to the region, and strengthens Texas’s energy leadership. Texas is the energy capital of the world, and I am proud to fight to ensure it stays that way.”
Matt Schatzman, Chairman & CEO of NextDecade, commented on Senator Cruz’s involvement: “NextDecade is deeply grateful to Senator Cruz for his continual support and commitment to advancing Rio Grande LNG. The Senator’s leadership has been instrumental in helping secure a final order for the project from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. Lending his support along with that of other federal, state, and local elected officials gave voice to the importance of Rio Grande LNG to our nation, Texas, the Rio Grande Valley and our allies around the world.”
Senator Cruz has been active in promoting American energy initiatives and supporting workers in this sector. In July, he sent a letter urging FERC to quickly reissue authority for this project. He also worked with other senators earlier this year on legislation called the Protect LNG Act, which aims to prevent courts from vacating previously authorized permits for liquefied natural gas projects and seeks expedited court decisions regarding such cases.
Cruz also played a role after a U.S. Court of Appeals decision initially vacated permits for both Rio Grande LNG and Texas LNG Brownsville projects. He led an amicus brief effort responding to that ruling; subsequent court action reinstated approvals for these projects.
Senator Cruz has won several elections during his career as U.S. senator from Texas. In 2024, he defeated Colin Allred with 53.1% of votes compared to Allred’s 44.6%. In previous years, he won against Beto O’Rourke in 2018 and Paul Sadler in 2012.
