Proposed Blue Ammonia Plant In Ingleside Moves Forward After Heated Debate

Supporters of the project highlighted its potential economic benefits while others raised concerns about potential environmental and safety risks.

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — A proposed blue ammonia plant in Ingleside is one step closer to becoming a reality but not without plenty of debate.

The Ingleside City Council voted 4-2, with one member abstaining, to move the project forward after a packed meeting Monday night. There were so many residents showed up that some were forced to watch from outside City Hall.

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Ingleside City Manager Brenton Lewis pointed out the unusually large turnout.

"We had a capacity of around 130 people," he said.

At the center of the debate was a special use permit for Project YaREN, a proposal by Ingleside Clean Ammonia Partners, a joint venture that includes Enbridge. The plan calls for the construction of a blue ammonia production facility within the Enbridge Ingleside Energy Center, an existing industrial site along the La Quinta Ship Channel.

Lewis said the project has been under discussion for nearly two years.

"YaREN came to the city council about 20 months ago. They made their initial presentation and the council at that time made a comment you need to get more community involvement, we need to know what the people feel about it," he explained.

Supporters of the project highlighted its potential economic benefits, including around 200 permanent jobs and an estimated $60–80 million in tax revenue over the three years of construction. Once operational, officials project more than $1 billion in tax revenue over 30 years.

However, not everyone is convinced. Opponents raised concerns about potential environmental and safety risks.

"It's harmful, toxic, and puts our people and environment at risk," one resident said.

Lewis emphasized that everyone who wanted to speak was given the opportunity.

"No one was turned back, but because of the facilities we have, we were limited on space, but we made sure everyone had a chance to speak," Lewis said.

During the presentation, company representatives stressed that safety remains their top priority.

For now, Ingleside leaders say they'll continue reviewing public feedback before the final vote next month — a decision that could help define the city's industrial future for decades to come.