ExxonMobil, LyondellBasell, and Chevron Among Houston's Leading Polluters

The report highlights the release of millions of pounds of chemicals, greenhouse gas emissions, and violations of environmental regulations. Many of these chemicals, including carcinogens like ethylene oxide and formaldehyde, pose potential health risks to nearby communities. The greenhouse gas emissions contribute to localized pollution issues, such as increased ozone and particulate matter, as well as to broader climate change.

The report analyzed data on 272 chemicals and 350 facilities from the EPA's Toxics Release Inventory for the years 2018-2022. This database compiles self-reported chemical releases from industrial sources, including spills, leaks, and emissions. Among the 350 facilities analyzed, three — ExxonMobil, Chevron Phillips Chemical, and LyondellBasell — were responsible for over 19 million pounds of chemical releases, accounting for about 60% of all pollution releases in Harris County during this period.

Air Alliance identified the region’s top 12 industrial polluters, referred to as the “dirty dozen,” according to the report (in no particular order):

The report's authors emphasized the importance of highlighting the most polluting facilities to draw attention to the significant emissions from these sites and their cumulative impact on surrounding communities. EHN reached out to the three companies with the highest chemical releases. LyondellBasell has not responded.

Chevron Chemicals’ communications representative, Lisa Trow, stated in an email to EHN that "Chevron Phillips Chemical is committed to responsible operation of our facilities and to continuous improvement of our environmental performance." She added that Chevron is working to "decrease air emissions through flare gas recovery equipment" and to "reduce greenhouse gas emissions by sourcing greater amounts of renewable energy."


ExxonMobil's communication representative, Lauren Kight, told EHN via email that "We’re focused on reducing emissions from our manufacturing sites, improving air quality in our communities, and helping protect the environment."

Ten of these facilities are located within the petrochemical hub in the southeastern and eastern parts of greater Houston. According to the EPA, the fenceline communities in the surrounding zip codes, predominantly composed of people of color, are disproportionately affected by this pollution. Residents in these areas also tend to have lower incomes than the county averages.

"We understand that this is a business, and profit is important, but please consider the communities next door," Inyang Uwak, an environmental epidemiologist for Air Alliance, said during a press conference in Baytown on Tuesday.


Original source: https://www.ehn.org/houston-top-polluters-2668845138.html

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