Environment Texas Welcomes EPA Proposal to Cut Refinery Pollution

Media Contacts

Environment Texas

AUSTIN – Environment Texas praised a draft proposal announced today by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency that would require refineries to reduce toxic emissions and install fence line monitors to detect — and warn residents about — pollutants emitted into surrounding neighborhoods. 

Environment Texas has worked for more than a decade to reduce emissions at Texas refineries and chemical plants, including securing federal court settlements with Shell Oil Company and ChevronPhillips Chemical Company requiring stringent emission cuts, operational upgrades and enhanced monitoring. 

Environment Texas, together with the Sierra Club, is currently suing ExxonMobil over violations of the Clean Air Act at the company’s Baytown, Texas refinery and chemical plants. 

Environment Texas Director Luke Metzger released the following statement:

“Refinery pollution can pose serious health risks for neighboring communities and EPA’s proposal is welcome news for those who live in the shadow of these facilities. Our legal settlements have demonstrated that refineries can reduce their pollution when they are forced to make it a priority.   We applaud the EPA for focusing on this issue with a plan that would take advantage of already available pollution control technology.  We pledge to work hard to see that a strong final rule is ultimately adopted and put into effect.”