EPA Issues Clean Air Act Permit for Texas GulfLink Deepwater Port

Strategic Insights -

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued a Clean Air Act (CAA) permit for the proposed Texas GulfLink (TGL) deepwater port, allowing the use of vapor capture and control technology mounted on an offshore support vessel. This innovative approach will increase energy production while reducing volatile organic compounds and setting a new industry standard for environmental performance. The permit is valid for five years, with semi-annual and annual compliance certifications required to ensure compliance with federal standards.

Key Takeaways:

  • The EPA has issued the first Clean Air Act deepwater port permit since President Trump returned to office, allowing the use of vapor capture and control technology at the TGL deepwater port.
  • The technology, mounted on an offshore support vessel, will increase energy production while reducing volatile organic compounds and setting a new industry standard for environmental performance.
  • The permit is valid for five years, with semi-annual and annual compliance certifications required to ensure compliance with federal standards.
  • The TGL deepwater port will be able to load very large crude carriers up to 85,000 barrels per hour, or 365 million barrels a year.
  • Sentinel Midstream, the developer of the TGL project, expressed gratitude to Regional Administrator Scott Mason for his leadership and support in making this achievement possible.
  • The EPA accepted public comments from May 22 to June 27, 2025, and the permit is a major step forward in the implementation of Best Available Control Technology.

Statistics:

  • The TGL deepwater port will be able to load up to 85,000 barrels per hour, or 365 million barrels a year.
  • The permit is valid for five years, with semi-annual and annual compliance certifications required to ensure compliance with federal standards.
  • Over 96% emission-control efficiency has been achieved with similar technology used on shuttle tankers in the North Sea for over 20 years.
  • The CAA permit includes monitoring, recordkeeping, and reporting requirements, including semi-annual and annual compliance certifications.

Sources:

  • U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
  • Sentinel Midstream