Chevron mixes news and self-promotion in West Texas

Chevron's "Permian Proud" website offers regional news in West Texas and New Mexico, blending positive stories about the community with the company’s perspective on the oil industry.

Felicia Alvarez reports for Floodlight.

In short:

Chevron runs the "Permian Proud" website, offering local news alongside company-friendly content in a region with limited news outlets.
Critics argue the site is part of a broader effort by Chevron to influence public perception in areas where it operates.
Local officials generally support the site, viewing it as a community benefit.

Key quote:

“Permian Proud is a blatant, naked attempt by industry to have their side of the story be told.”

— Miguel Escoto, environmental advocate

Why this matters:

Chevron's control over local news narratives raises concerns about the lack of independent journalism in oil-rich regions, potentially skewing public understanding of environmental and economic issues.

Related EHN coverage:

floodlightnews.org

Chevron mixes news and self-promotion in West Texas

China to see solar capacity outstrip coal capacity this year

The US farmers saving Palestinian seeds

Why the future of meat production is in vats, not farms

Western U.S. cities open wallets in quest for water

Biodegradable plastic isn't a climate solution on its own

Cutting the climate impact of anesthetic gases across Loma Linda University Health

How letting radiologists work remotely can help save the planet

Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

One facility has emitted cancer-causing chemicals into waterways at levels up to 520% higher than legal limits.

Pennsylvania health advocates say Trump’s first 100 days in office have caused “100 harms” to local communities

“They're terrorizing these scientists because they want to keep them silent.”

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

"The reality is, we are not exposed to one chemical at a time.”

Two years into his term, has Gov. Shapiro kept his promises to regulate Pennsylvania’s fracking industry?

A new report assesses the administration’s progress and makes new recommendations

An open letter from EPA staff to the American public

“We cannot stand by and allow this to happen. We need to hold this administration accountable.”

New evidence links heavy metal pollution with wildfire retardants

“The chemical black box” that blankets wildfire-impacted areas is increasingly under scrutiny.