Residents in Port Arthur, Texas, woke up to a shaking ground one March morning. The Valero Port Arthur Refinery had exploded, and they rushed indoors, sealing windows and doors for safety. The fire raged for about 10 hours and released harmful chemicals into the air for over ten days.
This isn’t an isolated incident. In fact, of the 131 oil refineries in the U.S., a significant number are found along the Texas Gulf Coast. Communities like Port Arthur bear the brunt of toxic pollution, including benzene, a known carcinogen present in crude oil and gas.
A report from the Environmental Defense Fund recently revealed that Texas refineries produce some of the highest rates of benzene emissions in the country. Between 2018 and 2023, the data showed that emissions were less related to refinery size and more dependent on state policies and management practices. Dan Peters, a data scientist, emphasized that many refineries failed to address ongoing leaks.
“Capacity might explain some differences, but it’s not the main factor for benzene levels,” Peters noted. “There are other pressures at play.”
Refineries generate various harmful pollutants, including greenhouse gases and volatile organic compounds. Incidents like the Port Arthur explosion are reminders that leaks and explosions can lead to substantial emissions of toxic substances like butane and benzene. Even with federal regulations in place under the Clean Air Act, state enforcement often falls short, especially when policies have been weakened in recent years.
In 2015, the EPA introduced the Petroleum Refinery Sector Rule to improve monitoring of benzene near refineries. While national emissions have declined, Texas continues to struggle. The average benzene levels there are about five times higher than those in states like California and Washington.
Peters explained, “Data can help spot issues early. But even with alarms, some facilities don’t fix the underlying problems.”
This lack of urgent response raises concerns among residents. Shiv Srivastava from Fenceline Watch highlighted that communities often don’t realize just how exposed they are to toxic substances.
“It’s not a matter of if there will be a leak or explosion, but when,” he said. “The effects of emissions like benzene can last for generations.”
Benzene is widely produced in the U.S. and has various harmful health effects. In some cases, communities near refineries have reported significantly higher cancer rates. For instance, data from Channelview, Texas, indicated alarming levels of leukemia and lymphoma, correlating with elevated benzene exposure.
Despite the evidence, local authorities struggle to address pollution effectively. In 2025, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality acknowledged a backlog of complaints. Only a fraction of issues received timely attention, causing community distrust.
Texas has its own long-term benzene exposure limits, which are notably less strict than those in other states. Long-term exposure can lead to severe health problems, including immune disorders and cancer.
Dan Peters concluded that pollution from refineries isn’t a fate residents must accept. “We see that some facilities can operate much cleaner,” he remarked. “They should all strive for better standards.”
This situation highlights the urgent need for better monitoring and enforcement of regulations to protect communities and public health.
For more detailed insights on benzene and its effects, visit the CDC’s chemical fact sheet.
