FACT BRIEF

Did the Trump administration waive aside local concerns about a Chinese-owned wind farm project in Texas?

Wednesday, February 24, 2021

By Stevie Rosignol-Cortez

YES

The Trump administration declined to block a Chinese company’s plans for a wind farm near Del Rio, Texas, despite concerns expressed by Texas politicians. The developer is a subsidiary of a Chinese energy company owned by Sun Guangxin, a Chinese Communist Party member.

In 2020 Texas politicians asked Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin to intervene in his role as chairman of the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States. There are no restrictions on foreign land purchases in U.S., but CFIUS has wide powers to bar foreign investment on national security grounds.

Retired Adm. Bobby R. Inman, now a University of Texas professor, told Texas Public Radio he saw no national security threat from the project, despite the proximity of an air force base. He said it is simply a routine investment from an investor who sees a good market opportunity. “Where is the national security threat?”

This Fact Brief is responsive to conversations such as this one.

Sources

Foreign Policy: Deep in the heart of Texas, a Chinese wind farm raises eyebrows

US Senate US Senate: Letter to Secretary of the Treasury from Sens. Cruz and Cornyn, Rep. Hurd

CBS Austin CBS Austin: Rep. Hurd comments on Chinese wind farm in Texas

Texas Public Radio Texas Public Radio: Local fight to protect natural area leaps onto national election stage

The 830 Times The 830 Times: Chinese reps defend proposed wind farm

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