The project is one of the largest ethane crackers proposed in the U.S. It will release over 1.5 million tons of greenhouse gases annually, including 27,000 tons of volatile organic compounds, 16,000 tons of nitrogen oxides and more than 4,000 tons of sulfur dioxide, according to TCEQ filings. Energy Transfer already operates a smaller ethane cracker in the county, which emitted more than 5,300 tons of sulfur dioxide in 2025 and more than 1,200 tons of nitrogen oxides, the agency’s records show.
If the new facility is built, the combined nitrogen oxides emissions from both plants will exceed those from all sources in Jefferson County in 2017, according to TCEQ data. The proposed cracker, which would be the third in the county, has drawn fierce opposition from environmental advocates, elected officials and residents.Â
A barge industry grows wild: Harris County
Harris County, population 4.8 million, is the third most populous county in the U.S. It is home to Houston, the nation’s fourth-largest city and a petrochemical hub. The county’s industrial landscape is a labyrinth of storage tanks, cooling towers, flame-tipped flare stacks and other infrastructure that belch, hiss and hum night and day.Â
Ship Channel Industries Development, a subsidiary of a company called Blackwater, is an emblem of that industry. It operates a tank farm in Baytown that stores millions of gallons of petrochemicals, as well as a terminal in Channelview that loads them onto barges. The company wants to build an ethylene oxide storage and transfer facility at the Channelview site. Ethylene oxide is a gas used to sterilize medical devices and produce antifreeze, textiles and plastics.
The facility will have the capacity to store 8 million pounds of ethylene oxide, according to TCEQ filings. The gas is a known carcinogen and can cause respiratory and nervous system damage. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency classifies it as a “probable human carcinogen.”Â
The storage tanks will be connected to docks where barges are loaded. When the barges sail up the San Jacinto River, the gas will be transferred to other vessels that will take it to plants along the Gulf Coast for processing. The project is supported by the Baytown Chamber of Commerce, the City of Baytown and Harris County, all of which passed resolutions praising its economic benefits.
Channelview is already saturated with industrial operations. The area is considered a “sacrifice zone” because of its proximity to polluting facilities. The town is almost entirely surrounded by petrochemical plants, warehouses, train tracks and highways that serve the Houston Ship Channel.Â
Residents have long complained about odors, flares, noise and truck traffic. Many have reported respiratory and skin problems, but their concerns have been dismissed by elected officials and regulators, who say the plants are in compliance with state and federal environmental regulations.Â
In 2024, the TCEQ found that the air in Channelview was so dirty that breathing it for an hour could be hazardous to human health. The agency has proposed measures to reduce pollution, but it hasn’t completed the rulemaking process.Â
The Baytown facility is one of several ethylene oxide projects proposed in the region. The TCEQ is reviewing plans for a large ethylene oxide production plant near Mont Belvieu, about 30 miles north of Baytown, that would emit 2.1 million tons of greenhouse gases annually, according to company filings. The plant would be allowed to release almost 1,000 tons of volatile organic compounds and 400 tons of nitrogen oxides, which can form smog and increase the risk of asthma attacks.
Landlocked sacrifice zones: Harris County
Further west, near the intersection of the Houston Ship Channel and the San Jacinto River, a cluster of petrochemical facilities is planned. These projects include a large polyethylene plant, a propylene oxide and styrene monomer facility, and a butadiene cracker.Â
The polyethylene plant would emit 3.6 million tons of greenhouse gases annually, including 1,100 tons of nitrogen oxides and 200 tons of sulfur dioxide, according to company filings. The propylene oxide and styrene monomer facility would release 1.5 million tons of greenhouse gases, 700 tons of volatile organic compounds, 200 tons of nitrogen oxides and 200 tons of sulfur dioxide. The butadiene cracker would emit 1.7 million tons of greenhouse gases and 500 tons of volatile organic compounds.
Imperial Chemical Industries, which is developing the polyethylene plant, has said the project will create 250 jobs and generate $60 million in revenue for Harris County over 10 years. The company has also promised to build a park in the area.
The projects are in the early stages of development and have not received TCEQ permits. But the agency has already approved air permits for a slew of other petrochemical projects in the area. In 2023, the TCEQ signed off on a plan by the petrochemical giant LyondellBasell to expand its ethylene plant near the Battleship Texas State Historic Site. The plant, which would be the largest in the world, would emit 9.5 million tons of greenhouse gases annually, including 3,000 tons of nitrogen oxides and 500 tons of sulfur dioxide.
The Texas Attorney General’s office, which represents the TCEQ in legal disputes, has defended the agency’s permitting process in court, arguing that it is in compliance with state and federal law.Â
But environmental advocates, residents and elected officials say the agency is failing to protect the public from the health risks posed by the petrochemical buildout.Â
“These projects are being pushed through without meaningful input from the community, without a recognition of the cumulative impacts and without an understanding of the health consequences,” said Jane Smith, a lawyer with the environmental group Sierra Club. “The TCEQ is not doing its job.”
The TCEQ and the Texas Department of State Health Services did not respond to requests for comment. A spokesperson for the Texas Oil and Gas Association said the industry complies with all regulations and works to minimize its impact on communities.Â
“We take our responsibility to protect the environment and public health seriously,” the spokesperson said in an email. “Our facilities are subject to stringent state and federal regulations and operate under permits that require continuous monitoring and reporting of emissions. We also work actively with communities to address concerns and improve air quality.”
But for many residents of Jefferson and Harris counties, the promise of jobs and economic growth is overshadowed by the fear of living near facilities that could make them sick.
“We are already breathing This acquisition has raised concerns among residents about the future of their historic neighborhood. The expansion of industrial operations in the area poses a threat to the health and well-being of the community, as well as the cultural heritage that has been preserved for generations.
The proposed ethane cracker by Energy Transfer is just one example of the environmental risks faced by residents in Jefferson County. The permit application for the cracker reveals that it would release nearly 10 million pounds of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), nitrogen oxides, and carbon monoxide into the air. These pollutants can contribute to ozone pollution, which can have a range of health effects from throat and eye irritation to cancer.
Despite these alarming findings, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) has stated that the project is “protective of human health and the environment” and expects no adverse effects to occur. However, residents like Reanna Panelo, a lifelong Nederland resident, have raised objections to the project, citing concerns about the potential impact on their health and the environment.
In nearby Port Arthur, residents are already facing challenges with air quality due to existing industrial operations in the area. The expansion of ethane crackers and petrochemical facilities in the region could further exacerbate air pollution levels and put residents at risk. John Beard, a Port Arthur native and founder of the Port Arthur Community Action Network, has expressed concerns about living in a toxic atmosphere that could potentially be harmful to residents.
The environmental risks in Jefferson County are not limited to air pollution. The county has also struggled with particulate matter and ozone pollution, earning an “F” grade from the American Lung Association in its State of the Air Report Card. The high cancer risks from air toxics in the county are a major concern, with facilities like Indorama Ventures in Port Neches releasing significant amounts of carcinogenic gases into the air.
As industrial development continues to expand in the region, residents and environmental advocates are calling for stricter regulations and oversight to protect public health and the environment. The future of historic neighborhoods like Charlton-Pollard in Beaumont hangs in the balance as industrial operations encroach on their communities. It is crucial for policymakers and regulators to prioritize the health and well-being of residents in Jefferson County and address the environmental risks posed by industrial development in the area.
Ozone, a reactive gas, forms when nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds react in sunlight. It can cause shortness of breath, chest pain, throat irritation, and coughing. Prolonged exposure can lead to decreased lung function, worsened asthma symptoms, and increased susceptibility to respiratory infections.
Children, elderly individuals, and those with preexisting respiratory conditions are particularly vulnerable to the health effects of particulate matter and ozone. Living in close proximity to industrial facilities emitting these pollutants can exacerbate these risks.
As industry continues to expand in areas like Charlton-Pollard, the health of residents is at stake. Advocates like Chris Jones are working to raise awareness of the environmental injustices faced by communities like theirs. They are fighting for cleaner air, safer neighborhoods, and better protections for those most impacted by industrial pollution.
The intersection of industry, environmental justice, and public health is a critical issue that requires attention and action. As more petrochemical plants and industrial facilities are built, the health and well-being of communities must be prioritized. It is essential to address the environmental hazards and health risks associated with these developments to ensure a safe and sustainable future for all.
As the debate continues over the expansion of industrial activities in Jefferson County and other similar regions, it is crucial to consider the long-term impacts on communities, particularly those that have historically been marginalized and disproportionately affected by pollution. Environmental justice must be at the forefront of decision-making to protect the health and safety of all residents.
The story of Charlton-Pollard and its ongoing struggle against industrial encroachment serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of advocating for environmental justice and protecting vulnerable communities from the harmful effects of pollution. It is a call to action for policymakers, industry leaders, and community members to work together towards a more sustainable and equitable future for all.
Exposure to particulate matter (PM2.5) has been linked to thousands of new cases of Alzheimer’s, asthma, and strokes, according to researchers. This alarming discovery highlights the urgent need for stricter regulations to improve air quality and protect public health. Last year, an EPA advisory board recommended tightening the National Ambient Air Quality Standard for PM2.5, a move that could prevent 4,500 premature deaths and result in $46 billion in net health benefits over a decade.
Despite these recommendations, 16 counties in Texas, including Jefferson, are still in violation of the new standard. The Trump administration’s decision to abandon the standard is concerning, as it puts the health of residents at risk. Environmental groups and regulators have been battling ozone pollution for over 70 years. Ozone gas is formed when volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and nitrogen oxides react in the presence of sunlight. This toxic gas can cause inflammation in the respiratory system and lead to asthma exacerbation and permanent lung damage with chronic exposure.
The Houston-Galveston-Brazoria area, home to 7.2 million people, has been grappling with ozone pollution for two decades. Despite being classified as “serious” or “severe” violators of EPA standards for over half of that time, the region has seen an influx of 35 petrochemical projects permitted by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). This expansion of petrochemical plants in an already polluted area raises concerns about public health.
Dr. Balmes, a member of the EPA advisory board, warns against adding more petrochemical plants to a region already struggling with ozone violations. The detrimental impact of these projects on air quality and public health cannot be ignored. It is crucial for regulators to prioritize stricter regulations and enforcement to reduce harmful emissions and protect communities from the devastating effects of air pollution.
To learn more about Texas’s petrochemical expansion and its implications for public health, visit publichealthwatch.org. The fight against air pollution is ongoing, and it requires collective efforts to safeguard the well-being of all individuals. The Importance of Mental Health in Today’s Society
In recent years, there has been a growing awareness of the importance of mental health in today’s society. With increasing stress levels, societal pressures, and the fast-paced nature of modern life, mental health issues are becoming more prevalent than ever before. It is crucial that we recognize the significance of mental health and take steps to prioritize and support it in our daily lives.
Mental health is just as important as physical health. It affects how we think, feel, and act, and plays a crucial role in our overall well-being. When our mental health is not taken care of, it can have serious consequences on our physical health, relationships, and quality of life. Mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and stress can impact our ability to function effectively in our daily lives and can lead to a range of negative outcomes if left untreated.
The stigma surrounding mental health has long been a barrier to seeking help and support. Many individuals feel ashamed or embarrassed to admit that they are struggling with their mental health, leading them to suffer in silence. However, it is important to understand that mental health is a natural part of being human, and seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
There are a variety of ways that individuals can prioritize and support their mental health. Developing healthy coping mechanisms, such as exercise, mindfulness, and relaxation techniques, can help to reduce stress and improve overall well-being. Seeking professional help from therapists, counselors, or support groups can also be beneficial in managing mental health issues and building resilience.
In addition to individual efforts, it is important for society as a whole to prioritize mental health. Employers can create a supportive work environment that promotes work-life balance and provides resources for mental health support. Schools can implement mental health education programs to teach students about the importance of self-care and seeking help when needed. Governments can invest in mental health services and resources to ensure that everyone has access to the support they need.
By prioritizing mental health in today’s society, we can create a culture of empathy, understanding, and support for those struggling with mental health issues. It is important to recognize that mental health is just as important as physical health and to take steps to prioritize and support it in our daily lives. Together, we can create a more compassionate and resilient society that values the well-being of all its members.
