pollution
Newsletter
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Chevron agrees to a $550 million settlement with California city
Richmond, California, secured a half-billion dollar settlement from Chevron after proposing a ballot tax on barrels produced at its local refinery, setting a potential model for other cities.
In short:
- Chevron offered a $550 million settlement to avoid a proposed barrel tax in Richmond, California.
- The settlement could fund Richmond's budget for ten years and encourage similar actions in other refinery towns.
- Activists view the deal as a mixed victory, while some cities are already considering similar initiatives.
Key quote:
“The community of Richmond has created a movement that will echo across the nation.”
— Eduardo Martinez, Mayor of Richmond
Why this matters:
Cities across the U.S. could use Richmond's strategy to pressure large polluting industries into settlements. This approach may empower local governments to secure funding while holding corporations accountable for environmental impacts.
Read more: Pollution, Poverty, and People of Color: 'We Are Richmond'
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The Army Corps and NYC criticized for ignoring local voices in climate resilience efforts
New York City’s environmental justice activists are frustrated by the lack of input in climate resilience projects, saying the Army Corps often focuses too much on protecting real estate and storm surge rather than broader flood risks.
In short:
- Activists say the Army Corps overlooks the specific needs of vulnerable communities when designing flood protection plans.
- Local groups argue that wealthier areas receive more attention and funding, while low-income neighborhoods are ignored.
- Some communities have developed their own climate resilience strategies, though implementation remains a challenge.
Key quote:
“Wealthy communities, when worse comes to worse, they can get themselves out of this problem on their own—they have the money to protect themselves.”
— Victoria Sanders, climate and health manager, New York City Environmental Justice Alliance
Why this matters:
Local voices are vital for creating effective, fair climate resilience plans. Without incorporating community input, flood protection efforts risk deepening existing inequalities.
Read more: Opinion: Finding climate solutions in communities instead of labs
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Georgia regulators to vote on controversial biomass energy plan
Georgia Power's proposal to burn wood for energy has sparked debate over costs and pollution ahead of a key vote by state regulators.
In short:
- The Georgia Public Service Commission will vote on a proposal to add 80 megawatts of biomass-fueled power, with critics citing pollution and high costs.
- Environmental groups and consumer advocates argue the plan will lead to higher electricity bills, with costs estimated to be several times higher than other new energy sources.
- Supporters, including the Georgia Forestry Association, claim the biomass plan offers economic benefits and helps manage tree debris from storms like Hurricane Michael.
Key quote:
“The price of one unit of energy from the Altamaha PPA, it looks like it’s well over three times the avoided cost, or the economic value of a unit of this energy.”
— Aradhana Chandra, attorney with the Southern Environmental Law Center
Why this matters:
The decision could set a precedent for future energy projects in Georgia, affecting both environmental outcomes and utility costs for residents.
For more:
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Credit: Jonathan Weiss/Big Stock Photo
Chevron’s headquarters relocation to Houston raises pollution concerns in Latino communities
Chevron’s move from California to Houston has heightened fears of increased air pollution, especially in Houston’s predominantly Latino neighborhoods, where pollution-related health issues are already prevalent.
In short:
- Chevron relocated its headquarters to Houston following a California lawsuit over climate change deception.
- Local activists fear lax regulations in Texas will exacerbate air pollution, impacting vulnerable communities.
- Houston’s Latino neighborhoods already face some of the nation’s worst air quality, with pollution linked to serious health issues.
Key quote:
"Chevron already has a history of breaking the law in Texas. It is not surprising that it's deciding to move its headquarters to Texas since the state's regulations and their enforcement are much more lax than they are in California"
— Erandi Treviño, Houston environmental activist
Why this matters:
Some residents fear Chevron’s move to Houston could worsen air quality in areas already suffering from pollution, intensifying health risks for Latino communities with limited resources to address these challenges.
Read more: ExxonMobil, LyondellBassel and Chevron among Houston’s top polluters: Report
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New climate stripes reveal pollution disparities since 1850
Scientists have developed climate stripes that visualize pollution trends since 1850, highlighting global inequalities and the potential for improvement through government action.
In short:
- Air pollution stripes show worsening pollution in many regions, though improvements are possible with focused government efforts.
- London and Beijing have seen significant air quality improvements after government interventions.
- The project uses data from climate models and satellite observations to map pollution from 1850 to today.
Key quote:
“Air pollution is often called the invisible killer but these images make the invisible visible.”
— Dr. Kirsty Pringle, University of Edinburgh
Why this matters:
The air quality stripes make pollution trends tangible, emphasizing the need for policy action to combat this global health crisis. Without intervention, poor air quality will continue to cause millions of premature deaths.
Related EHN coverage:
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Credit: Jackie Burton/Pixabay
Canadian wildfire smoke creates severe air pollution in New Jersey
A Rutgers study reveals that wildfire smoke from Canada in 2023 caused dangerous air pollution in New Jersey, particularly impacting vulnerable communities.
In short:
- Rutgers researchers found that wildfire smoke caused hazardous air quality in New Jersey on June 7, 2023.
- Vulnerable communities, particularly those lacking air conditioning, were at heightened risk from the pollution.
- The study suggests ongoing concerns due to the unique chemical composition of the smoke particles.
Key quote:
“We’re worried we don’t know enough about the composition [of these particles] to understand the full implications.”
— José Guillermo Cedeño Laurent, director of Rutgers CARE Lab
Why this matters:
Wildfire smoke poses a growing health threat as climate change increases the frequency and intensity of fires. The chemical composition of the smoke particles could have long-term health impacts, especially for those in disadvantaged communities.
Related EHN coverage:
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Houston reverses plans to move away from cars under new mayor
Houston’s progress toward reducing car dependency has stalled since Mayor John Whitmire took office, impacting transit and bike infrastructure projects.
In short:
- Houston halted bike infrastructure projects and delayed a $7.5 billion public transit expansion after Mayor John Whitmire’s inauguration.
- Federal funds are available for cities to diversify transit, but Houston’s leadership now focuses on road repairs over alternatives to cars.
- Advocates worry this shift threatens Houston's climate goals and limits transportation options for vulnerable communities.
Key quote:
“We have choices in all other parts of our lives, but when it comes to transportation, we only have one option.”
— Joe Cutrufo, cycling advocate
Why this matters:
Houston's transportation decisions reflect broader national challenges in reducing car dependency. Failure to diversify transit options could hinder efforts to address climate change and public health.
Related:
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