The May 2, 2026, election for the Port of Brownsville Navigation District Board of Commissioners is approaching. We, the South Texas Environmental Justice Network, a local Brownsville organization, have asked the Port candidates to complete our candidate questionnaire. The development of projects at the Port of Brownsville, such as the buildout of Rio Grande LNG, Texas LNG, SpaceX, the recently announced America First Oil Refinery, and Saronic Technologies, raises urgent questions about our community’s ethics, water security, public health, and long-term resilience. The decisions made by Port Commissioners are felt for so much longer than a four-year term; they’re felt for generations. These decisions shape our landscape and impact our water, air, and health. We look forward to learning how the Port candidates plan to address these ethical and environmental concerns.
Below are the responses we’ve received from candidates so far.
| Port of Brownsville Candidate | Contact information | Responded to questionnaire |
| David A. Garcia for Place 2 | vote4davidg@gmail.com | No |
| Shariff Gonnella for Place 2 | sgonnella@omnitrax.com | Yes – link to response |
| Alex Najera for Place 2 | info@alexnajera.com | No |
| Martha Davila for Place 4 | martha@tcsbrokerage.com | No |
| Prisci Roca Tipton for Place 4 | priscirocatipton@prisci4port.com | Yes – link to response |
| Luis H. Villareal Jr. for Place 4 | luis@villarealjr.com | No |
| 1. As an elected official with power over major development decisions that affect our community’s health and environment, transparency and accountability are essential to fostering public trust. Question: What specific measures will you advocate for to ensure that there is full transparency in the Port of Brownsville’s operations, such as responding to public records requests and public access to site lease agreements and negotiations with corporations? |
| Shariff Gonnella: Transparency and accountability are fundamental to building public trust. As Port Commissioner, I would support timely and complete responses to public records requests, clear communication with the public, and greater visibility into major agreements and decisions, while still respecting legal and competitive requirements. I would also advocate for quarterly town halls where the Port can provide updates on its priorities, major projects, and ongoing work, while giving the public a direct opportunity to ask questions and provide feedback. In addition, I would encourage more community members to attend the twice monthly Board meetings so they can hear discussions firsthand, stay informed on projects, and have a voice in the public process. I also believe that before any significant vote on a project that may carry serious environmental, public health, or quality of life impacts, the public should have a meaningful opportunity to be informed, ask questions, and be heard. The community should be informed, engaged, and able to understand how and why decisions are made, especially when those decisions may have lasting impacts on Brownsville and the surrounding region. |
| Prisci Roca Tipton: I understand the Port should operate under public information laws, and can do better in how we communicate. People shouldn’t have to dig for basic information. Clear summaries and timely updates can build trust without slowing down business. |
| 2. Our region is currently facing a severe water crisis, with Amistad and Falcon reservoirs at dangerously low levels (30.8% and 19.6% respectively), forcing residents to adhere to water conservation measures. Question: Given the increasing industrial water use demand for the current industries at the Port, what steps would you take as part of the Port Commission to ensure sustainable water management that prioritizes water availability for families to meet their basic needs? |
| Shariff Gonnella: Water security is one of the most urgent issues facing our region, and it must be addressed with discipline and long-term thinking. As Port Commissioner, I would support requiring a clearer review of industrial water demand before major projects move forward, stronger expectations for water efficiency and reuse, and closer coordination with local and regional water authorities to make sure growth at the Port does not outpace the region’s actual water supply. The needs of families and the community must always come first. I also believe we should encourage innovation. There are examples around the world of facilities that significantly reduce or offset their water and energy consumption through rainwater capture, recycling systems, and integrated design. While not every solution applies everywhere, we should be looking at how to incorporate those principles into future development at the Port. The goal is simple: responsible growth that does not outpace our resources and does not place additional strain on an already limited water supply. |
| Prisci Roca Tipton: We’re in a real water situation right now, and that has to be taken seriously. I would want to see long-term planning that includes both residential needs and industrial growth, working closely with our water authorities so we don’t overextend our supply. |
| 3. Desalination is frequently proposed as a solution to water shortages, but it is energy-intensive and produces toxic brine that has been known to damage coastal ecosystems and the fishing and shrimping industry. Question: What is your stance on desalination as a water source for industries at the Port of Brownsville? |
| Shariff Gonnella: Desalination is often presented as a quick or default solution, but it is not as simple as it may seem. While it can provide an additional water source, it comes at a high cost and carries real environmental and energy impacts, including concerns around brine disposal and effects on marine ecosystems. I would not support moving forward with desalination without first fully evaluating and prioritizing alternative solutions such as water reuse and recycling programs, stormwater capture, groundwater recharge, and rainwater and graywater initiatives. Desalination should only be considered as part of a broader, long-term strategy that includes conservation, efficiency, and responsible planning. Any decision must ensure that we are not creating new environmental problems while trying to solve another. I would not support a desalination project without a full, transparent, and science-based review of its impacts, along with meaningful input from the community. It is also important to recognize that desalination is highly energy-intensive. Given the region’s current power constraints, any serious consideration of desalination must be aligned with a clear and reliable energy strategy. Addressing power needs would need to happen first, or at a minimum in parallel, to ensure we are not creating additional strain on another critical resource. Desalination can be part of the solution, but it should not be treated as the first or only option. |
| Prisci Roca Tipton: I know desalination is being discussed more because of the drought, but it comes with cost and environmental concerns. I’d be open to it as part of a broader plan, but only if it’s been fully evaluated and makes sense long-term. |
| 4. Large, multi-billion-dollar corporations are proposed for the Port of Brownsville, including LNG export terminals, Saronic Technologies, America First Refinery, a lithium refinery, and the proposed expansion of SpaceX. Question: What is your stance on these proposed refineries, fossil fuel industries, military manufacturing, and private space corporation projects at the Port of Brownsville? Please elaborate. |
| Shariff Gonnella: This is a complex question, but I do not believe all projects should be treated the same. Each must be evaluated on its own merits, and it is important to distinguish between projects that are already established or well underway and those that are still under review. For projects that are already operating or significantly advanced, such as SpaceX and LNG developments, the focus should be on working with these entities to ensure strong oversight, strict compliance with environmental standards, and ongoing accountability so they operate responsibly and minimize impacts on our community. This also includes making sure there are clear safeguards in place to prevent, monitor, and address any environmental harm before it becomes too late. For projects that are still under consideration, including proposals such as refineries, lithium processing, or new manufacturing operations, there is a responsibility to evaluate them carefully before any decision is made. That evaluation must include environmental and public health impacts, water and energy demands, long-term economic value, and alignment with the community’s priorities. My approach is to support responsible development that brings real economic benefit (jobs, investment, and long-term growth) while protecting our environment and quality of life. I will not support projects where the long-term risks clearly outweigh the long-term benefits to our community. Projects of that scale, including refineries, require a higher level of scrutiny because of their long term economic, environmental, and infrastructure impact. While I understand why people see them as opportunities for jobs and economic growth, it is also important to recognize that they come with real tradeoffs. In many cases, these types of facilities are located away from dense population centers due to emissions, noise, and heavy industrial activity. That highlights the level of impact they can have and why they must be evaluated carefully. Any decision must be based on a full understanding of those risks, supported by data, and weighed against the long-term interests of the community. I also believe that decisions of this scale must involve transparency and meaningful public engagement, ensuring that the community has the opportunity to be informed, ask questions, and be heard before any final decision is made. The goal is not simply to bring more industry, but to bring the right industry, development that is sustainable, clean, responsible, and aligned with the future we want for Brownsville. |
| Prisci Roca Tipton: There are major projects being proposed, and I understand the importance of jobs and economic growth. At the same time, those decisions carry long-term impacts. Each project should be looked at carefully—what it brings, what it requires, and how it affects our community over time. |
| 5. Climate change is an existential threat to us all, but it is primarily low-income communities like the Rio Grande Valley that are forced to deal with extreme heat, hurricanes, flooding, and extreme drought. Question: What steps would you take as Port Commissioner to address climate change? |
| Shariff Gonnella: Climate change is already impacting our region, and it must be taken seriously as part of long-term planning for the Port and our community. One of the challenges today is that we do not have a clear long-term master plan that guides how the Port should grow over the next 20 to 30 years. Without that framework, it becomes much more diƯicult to plan responsibly for issues like extreme weather, water availability, infrastructure resilience, and long-term environmental impact. As Port Commissioner, I would support the development of a comprehensive long-term master plan that incorporates climate resilience, sustainable growth, and infrastructure planning. That includes preparing for flooding, heat, and storms, improving operational efficiency, and encouraging development that aligns with environmental responsibility. It also means making sure that major projects are evaluated not only for their economic benefits, but for their long-term environmental impact and how they fit into the region’s future. Planning for growth without considering climate risks is not responsible planning. My focus is on ensuring that the Port remains competitive while also being prepared for the challenges ahead, protecting our community, our environment, and the long-term sustainability of the region. Addressing climate change at the Port is not about ideology. It is about managing risk, planning responsibly, and making decisions that protect both our economy and our quality of life for future generations. |
| Prisci Roca Tipton: We are definitely already seeing the effects—heat, storms, and water issues. I think the Port has to plan for that so we’re not reacting later. |
| 6. The Port of Brownsville oversees thousands of acres of pristine wildlife habitat, which is essential for endangered and threatened species, and contains well-documented Indigenous artifact sites. Garcia Pasture is one of the sites listed on the National Park Service’s website, is considered the premier historic site of Cameron County by local archeologists, and is of importance to the Carrizo/Comecrudo Tribal Nation. Question: What is your plan to ensure the Port preserves historic archaeological sitesof cultural importance to Indigenous people and our community? Question: What is your plan to preserve wildlife habitat and greenfield land at the Port of Brownsville? |
| Shariff Gonnella: Preserving sites of historical and cultural importance is essential, and it should be a priority in any development process at the Port. These sites are part of our shared history and identity, and once they are lost, they cannot be replaced. As Port Commissioner, I would support working closely with qualified experts, archaeologists, and Indigenous communities to ensure that sites of cultural significance are properly identified, protected, and respected. I believe any project under consideration should include a thorough review of potential impacts to these sites, and where appropriate, adjustments should be made to avoid or minimize disruption. Preservation should be built into the planning process, not treated as an afterthought. At the same time, it is important to balance responsible development with protection of our heritage. That requires thoughtful planning, transparency, and collaboration with the community and those directly connected to these sites. My approach is to ensure that growth at the Port does not come at the cost of erasing our history, but instead reflects a responsible and respectful path forward for the region. |
| Prisci Roca Tipton: I’m aware there are areas at the Port with historical and cultural significance. Those should be taken seriously, with the right experts involved before any development decisions are made. |
| 7. Several fossil fuel industries have plans to build and operate at the Port of Brownsville, including the Rio Grande LNG terminal, Texas LNG terminal, and the America First Refinery, which would release pollution into the community and therefore poses serious risks to people and the environment. Additionally, other industries, such as a proposed lithium refinery and Saraonic Technologies’ plans to build and manufacture warships at the Port, would also pose risks. Some communities, including the City of Olympia, WA, have passed policies that address human and environmental risks, e.g., Ethical Investment Statement on page 11. Question: Would you support the Port of Brownsville adopting an Ethical Investment Policy for Human Rights that ensures industries do not contribute to violations of our rights? |
| Shariff Gonnella: I support the principle that the Port of Brownsville should operate with strong standards for environmental responsibility, public health, transparency, and accountability. Projects should be evaluated not only for their economic benefits, but also for whether they create unacceptable harm to people, the environment, or the long term well being of the community. At the same time, I think it is important to be clear about what the Olympia example represents. The Ethical Investment Statement in that document is not, by itself, a legal definition of human rights compliance. It is a policy choice by that city about where it does or does not want to place its investments, including avoiding certain industries and companies it believes are tied to environmental harm or severe human rights violations. For the Port of Brownsville, I support strengthening how projects are evaluated for human, environmental, and community impact but I would not support simply copying another city’s policy without making sure it fits the Port’s responsibilities, legal framework, and economic role. My approach would be to make sure responsibility is built into the evaluation process from the beginning, not treated as an afterthought. That means asking hard questions, requiring transparency, considering long term impacts, and ensuring the public has a meaningful opportunity to be heard before major decisions are made. The goal should be to ensure that development at the Port is not only economically beneficial, but also responsible, accountable, and aligned with the long term interests of our community. |
| Prisci Roca Tipton: I think it’s worth looking at how other ports and cities approach this, but any policy here needs to be practical, clear, and not put us at a disadvantage. |
Urge the Port of Brownsville candidates to respond to our candidate questionnaire before the May 2 election! Social media graphics:
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