Texas is expanding its petrochemical industry with dozens of new facilities and upgrades, despite warnings from experts about increased air pollution and health risks. The state, already a major emitter of toxic pollutants, plans projects that could release millions of pounds of carcinogens and contribute to ozone and particulate matter problems. Communities in Jefferson and Harris counties, including majority-minority neighborhoods, face heightened dangers from cancer and respiratory illnesses.
Texas leads the United States in petrochemical production, accounting for 75 percent of the nation's output and driving the global plastics industry. The sector contributed $249 billion to the state's gross domestic product and supported 661,000 jobs in 2021. Since 2013, 57 facilities have been built or expanded, with over half located in majority-minority neighborhoods. Over the next five years, 18 new plants and 23 expansions are planned or under construction, including 12 projects expected to emit greenhouse gases equivalent to 41 natural gas-fired power plants. These initiatives will also release 38.6 million pounds annually of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's highest-priority pollutants, such as carcinogens and respiratory irritants.
In Jefferson County, home to the historic Spindletop oil field, new developments include Woodside Energy's ammonia plant near Nederland, authorized to add almost 80,000 pounds of nitrogen oxides yearly, which contribute to smog and respiratory distress. Nearby, Energy Transfer plans an ethane cracker on the Neches River, permitted to emit nearly 10 million pounds of volatile organic compounds, along with nitrogen oxides and carbon monoxide. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality has stated the project "is protective of human health and the environment." However, residents like Reanna Panelo objected, writing, "It is not fair nor is it morally right to build such a monstrous and horrendous plant designed to kill the surrounding area, residents, and environment, for company gain."
Port Arthur native John Beard, founder of the Port Arthur Community Action Network, described the situation as "the worst possible situation you can imagine," noting the toxic atmosphere. The county received an "F" for ozone pollution from the American Lung Association and has high cancer risks from air toxics. Atmospheric chemist Peter DeCarlo measured ethylene oxide levels near Indorama Ventures in Port Neches that "greatly exceed what is acceptable for long-term exposure."
In Beaumont's Charlton-Pollard, a historic Black neighborhood founded in 1869, the Port of Beaumont has acquired 78 parcels since 2016 for cargo storage, paving an area the size of 18 football fields near a church and school. Neighborhood association president Chris Jones called it "the continuation of a long pattern" of underinvestment and expendability for Black communities. The port's CEO, Chris Fisher, emphasized transparency and fair dealings, offering above-appraised values and relocation aid.
Experts like Dr. John Balmes warn that fine particulate matter (PM2.5) can enter the bloodstream, causing heart attacks, strokes, and cognitive decline, while ozone inflames the lungs. A 2023 analysis estimated 8,405 deaths from PM2.5 in Texas in 2016. The TCEQ has denied less than 0.5 percent of air permits in the past quarter-century, facilitating this buildout.