Mexico's push for U.S. natural gas draws local opposition

The Southeast Gateway pipeline now brings U.S. natural gas to southeastern Mexico and has prompted legal challenges and protests from coastal and Indigenous communities over consultation and environmental concerns.

The Southeast Gateway pipeline was completed last year and began delivering U.S. natural gas to southeastern Mexico. The project is part of a broader effort to increase gas imports and potential exports, and officials have said it supports energy needs and development in the region. Some coastal and Indigenous communities say they were not consulted before construction and have raised concerns about local livelihoods and ecosystems. The government described aspects of the project as a matter of national security and kept some route details confidential. What is known: - The Southeast Gateway pipeline was completed last year and currently supplies gas to the Dos Bocas refinery in Tabasco. - The pipeline was built by TC Energy in partnership with Mexico's state-owned power company CFE and extended the line by about 700 kilometers. - Residents from several coastal and Indigenous communities filed a lawsuit alleging they were not consulted; the suit was dismissed and is under appeal. - Environmental groups have reported worries that dredging and potential methane leaks could affect deepwater reefs and marine species, while project backers say federal requirements were met. Summary: The pipeline is operational and has prompted local protests and legal challenges tied to consultation and environmental concerns. The dismissed lawsuit is currently under appeal, and other planned pipeline and liquefaction projects face separate opposition and legal reviews; Undetermined at this time.