Sinclair Refinery in New Mexico Faces EPA Mandate to Reduce Emissions: Key Details You Need to Know

SANTA FE, New Mexico, January 25, 2025 – The U.S. Justice Department and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have proposed a $35 million settlement with HF Sinclair Navajo Refining LLC. This agreement addresses serious air quality violations at their refinery near Artesia, a small town facing challenges from pollution.

The refinery, owned by HF Sinclair, is part of a company that recently acquired Sinclair Oil. Air monitoring in 2018 and 2019 revealed that the refinery had some of the highest benzene levels in the U.S., which is concerning given the health risks associated with this toxic substance.

Dr. Earthea Nance from the EPA expressed that the community of Artesia has endured these pollution issues for far too long. The nearby Roselawn Elementary School, located just a short distance from the refinery, highlights the urgency of improving air quality for local residents.

The settlement requires HF Sinclair to pay a $35 million penalty, split between the federal government and New Mexico. Additionally, the company must invest about $137 million in measures to improve air quality and reduce emissions.

These measures aim to cut:

• 180 tons per year of hazardous air pollutants, including benzene
• 2,716 tons per year of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
• 51 tons per year of nitrogen oxides (NOx)
• 31 tons per year of sulfur dioxide (SO2)

Once fully implemented, these changes can lead to a significant reduction of 97,551 tons per year of carbon dioxide emissions, benefiting the environment and community.

As part of the settlement, HF Sinclair must also set up ten real-time air pollution monitors along the refinery’s fence line and several other monitors throughout Artesia. This will provide crucial data about air quality and hold the company accountable for emissions.

Acting Assistant Attorney General Katherine Konschnik emphasized that this settlement reflects the U.S. commitment to safeguard communities from pollution. The investments will help improve air quality and minimize health risks for residents, particularly the children at Roselawn Elementary.

Acting Assistant Administrator Cecil Rodriguez noted that prior failures to monitor and control air pollution posed significant health threats to the community. The new monitoring systems will ensure timely information about emissions, helping protect the health of local residents.

New Mexico Environment Department Secretary James Kenney stated that this action emphasizes the importance of following clean air rules. Those who neglect their responsibilities will face consequences, not only in penalties but also in improvements that benefit the community.

Among other enhancements, HF Sinclair will install a flare gas recovery system and upgrade wastewater equipment to better handle benzene emissions. The company will also implement programs to improve monitoring and detection of air pollutants.

Benzene is recognized as a carcinogen, posing risks from both short-term and long-term exposure. VOCs contribute to ozone formation, which can lead to health issues. This settlement aims to address these serious environmental and health concerns effectively.

HF Sinclair is a publicly traded company with operations that focus on the oil industry. The Artesia refinery processes 100,000 barrels of crude oil daily and serves markets in the southwestern U.S.

The proposed settlement is currently filed with the U.S. District Court for the District of New Mexico and is open for public comment for 30 days.

Featured image: HF Sinclair Navajo Refinery near Artesia, New Mexico. April 4, 2022 (Photo by Watts via Flickr)