The Coastal Bend region holds a unique identity shaped by dedication, perseverance, and a strong connection to both community and nature. As a lifelong resident of Texas and a parent raising a family here, I share the aspirations many hold: secure neighborhoods, quality education, clean air and water, and meaningful prospects for the next generation to build their lives locally. n nThis is why I’ve chosen to support Project YaREN and serve as a regional ambassador for Voices for Coastal Bend Energy—a growing network of residents, parents, and community advocates committed to responsible development. In just three months, over 500 individuals have joined the initiative, leading to 19 supportive public comments on the city of Ingleside’s official website. This level of grassroots engagement reflects broad local backing for thoughtful, sustainable advancement. n nProject YaREN represents a $3 billion commitment to the area, expected to generate approximately 4,000 construction-phase jobs and 200 long-term, well-compensated positions once operational. These employment opportunities will empower families in San Patricio County to invest in homes, pursue higher education for their children, and strengthen their ties to the region. Over the next three decades, the project is projected to deliver more than $1 billion in tax revenue to Ingleside and San Patricio County, funding essential services such as emergency response and infrastructure upgrades. n nEnvironmental stewardship and public safety are paramount. Like many in the community, I sought confidence that the highest standards would be upheld. The project will undergo thorough evaluations by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality and the Environmental Protection Agency, with stringent oversight covering emissions, water quality, and emergency preparedness. n nThe facility’s design incorporates advanced safety protocols, continuous monitoring systems, and cutting-edge technology—aligning with current best practices rather than outdated models. Misunderstandings have arisen around topics such as desalination and emissions, but any discharge into local waterways must comply with rigorous environmental regulations to protect marine ecosystems and seagrass habitats. Air quality will also be closely monitored and reported publicly under strict benchmarks. n nBeyond job creation and environmental safeguards, Project YaREN is a step toward innovation and global sustainability. It will produce “blue ammonia,” a lower-emission fuel that can help reduce the carbon footprint of international shipping and fertilizer manufacturing, positioning the Coastal Bend as a contributor to cleaner energy solutions worldwide. n nThis initiative is not just about a single development—it’s about shaping a future where young people can thrive without leaving their hometowns, where growth proceeds responsibly, and where pride in our heritage coexists with progress. With strong leadership and shared commitment, economic development and environmental care are not mutually exclusive. We can achieve both. Let’s move forward together for the benefit of the Coastal Bend. n nDolly Gonzales Trolley serves as regional ambassador for Voices for Coastal Bend Energy, a local coalition advocating for responsible energy development. The group is affiliated with the Energy Equipment and Infrastructure Alliance, a national 501(c)(6) organization representing sectors involved in building and maintaining U.S. energy infrastructure. n
— news from Corpus Christi Caller-Times
— News Original —
Project YaREN in Ingleside can help shape economic progress in the Coastal Bend | Opinion
The Coastal Bend is a special place — defined by hard work, resilience and deep pride in our people and environment. As a mother and lifelong Texan raising my family here, I want the same things we all do: safe neighborhoods, strong schools, clean air and water, and real opportunities for our children to stay and thrive right here at home. n nThat’s why I’ve decided to speak out in support of Project YaREN and to serve as regional ambassador for Voices for Coastal Bend Energy — a growing coalition of neighbors, parents and community members who believe in responsible progress. Over 500 people have become supporters in just three months, resulting in 19 positive public comments on the city of Ingleside’s website for Project YaREN. This surge of local involvement shows how strongly our community supports smart, balanced growth. n nProject YaREN represents a $3 billion investment in our region — bringing roughly 4,000 construction jobs and 200 permanent, good-paying careers once operational. Those opportunities will help local families buy homes, send kids to college and build deeper roots in San Patricio County. Over the next 30 years, the project is expected to contribute more than $1 billion in tax revenue to the city of Ingleside and San Patricio County, supporting first responders and local infrastructure. n nOf course, safety and environmental protection are non-negotiable. Like many neighbors, I wanted reassurance that Project YaREN would be held to the highest standards. That’s why it matters that this facility will undergo a detailed review by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality and the Environmental Protection Agency, with strict oversight covering air and water quality, emergency response and emissions controls. n nProject YaREN’s design includes multiple layers of safety systems, real-time monitoring and state-of-the-art technology — protections that reflect today’s best practices, not outdated assumptions. Some confusion has surrounded topics like desalination and emissions. But any facility discharging water into our bays must follow strict environmental regulations to safeguard marine life and seagrass beds. The same applies to air quality, with emissions monitored and publicly reported under rigorous standards. n nBeyond safety and jobs, Project YaREN is about innovation and our shared future. The facility will produce “blue ammonia,” a lower-carbon fuel that can reduce global shipping and fertilizer production emissions, helping the Coastal Bend contribute to cleaner energy solutions worldwide. n nThis isn’t just about one project. It’s about shaping a future where our children can find opportunity without leaving home, where we grow safely, responsibly and with pride in who we are. With the right leadership and commitment, we don’t have to choose between environmental responsibility and economic progress. We can accomplish both. Let’s continue moving forward together for the future of the Coastal Bend. n nDolly Gonzales Trolley serves as regional ambassador of Voices for Coastal Bend Energy, a local coalition supporting responsible energy development in the Coastal Bend. The group is affiliated with the Energy Equipment and Infrastructure Alliance, a national 501(c)(6) organization representing industries that build and maintain America’s energy infrastructure. n nRELATED OPINION