Chevron's decision to move its corporate headquarters from California to Houston has sparked concerns among environmental advocates and local residents, particularly in Houston's Latino communities, who already suffer disproportionately from air pollution.
The move follows a lawsuit by California against Chevron and other oil companies, accusing them of decades of deception, cover-up and damage that has allegedly cost taxpayers billions of dollars in health and environmental impacts.
In an interview with The Latin Times, Erandi Treviño, Houston resident and environmental activist, expressed concern about Chevron's move. "Chevron already has a history of breaking the law in Texas," she said. "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".
Earlier this year, Air Alliance Houston identified the worst air polluters in Harris County, dubbing the top 12 offenders the "Dirty Dozen." The list includes facilities ranging from chemical plants to landfills. The top three facilities—ExxonMobil Baytown, LyondellBasell in Channelview, and Chevron Phillips in Baytown—account for 60% of the county's chemical emissions. Air Alliance Houston's executive director Jennifer Hadayia noted that many of the pollutants emitted from these facilities are known carcinogens.
A report by the Environmental Integrity Project highlighted that communities of color in Houston, including many Latino neighborhoods, have been hardest hit by increases in smog and ozone levels over the past decade. Houston ranks among the worst cities in the nation for air pollution, with the highest levels concentrated in areas predominantly inhabited by low-income Latino and African American residents.
The environmental advocacy group Moms Clean Air Force, which includes the Ecomadres initiative that focuses on the impact of pollution on Latino families, has highlighted the need for urgent action. The group warns that the move could lead to more pollution-related health problems, such as asthma and other respiratory issues, which are already prevalent in these communities. They argue that without stricter regulations and more robust environmental monitoring, the relocation could have dire consequences for the health and well-being of thousands of Houston residents.
Chevron announced the relocation as part of its strategic plan to align with the energy hub of the United States. In a press release, the company says it already has around 7,000 employees in the Houston area and that it expects all corporate functions to relocate to Houston over the next five years.
The oil giant has stated that it is committed to maintaining high environmental standards and working with local communities. However, the company has yet to outline specific plans for addressing the environmental concerns raised by its move.
© 2024 Latin Times. All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
