The Sierra Club Lone Star Chapter applauds the Corpus Christi City Council’s decision to delay a vote on funding the controversial Inner Harbor Desalination Plant.
This pause is a direct result of mounting public pressure, growing concerns over the project’s environmental risks and spiraling costs, and increasing calls to explore more sustainable and affordable water solutions.
"I am relieved that the City Council voted to place a pause on the ever deepening boondoggle that is the Inner Harbor (Hillcrest) desal project. There are far cheaper water sources that will not threaten the environment or harm Hillcrest. Our hope is that the City finally will give serious consideration to those alternate water sources.” - Jim Klein, Corpus Christi resident, Sierra Club member, and Coastal Bend Group leader
Over the past year, Sierra Club staff, volunteers, and community allies have mobilized against this harmful proposal. In January, we collected more than 200 signatures and personal stories from Texans across the state, from Dallas to Houston to the Coastal Bend, opposing the initial approval of the project. Throughout the regular legislative session, we advocated for clear water quality standards and desalination studies.
Texans want smart, transparent water solutions, not rushed and expensive schemes that threaten local ecosystems and public trust.
The current proposal would discharge over 50 million gallons of highly concentrated brine into Corpus Christi’s Inner Harbor each day, threatening aquatic life, fishing livelihoods, and water quality across the region. With nearly $100 million already spent and no operational plant in sight, it's clear the city must stop doubling down on a deeply flawed plan.
"Thank you to everyone across Texas for their continued support in safeguarding the health of Texan bays and estuaries. Yesterday’s City Council vote to pause funding for the Inner Harbor desalination plant takes us one step closer to protecting our vibrant coastal communities from the harmful effects of concentrated brine discharges into sensitive ecosystems." - Jason Hale, Corpus Christi resident, Sierra Club member and volunteer
The Sierra Club Lone Star Chapter urges a full reconsideration of the project’s long-term impacts. Texans deserve more: more transparency, more trust, and leaders that put the needs of people over industries while shaping Texas’ water future.
We remain in solidarity with local leaders, residents, and environmental advocates, and will continue to fight until the city abandons this risky proposal and invests in water solutions that work for people and the environment.