Chevron’s headquarters relocation to Houston raises pollution concerns in Latino communities

Chevron’s move from California to Houston has heightened fears of increased air pollution, especially in Houston’s predominantly Latino neighborhoods, where pollution-related health issues are already prevalent.

Carola Guerrero De León reports for The Latin Times.


In short:

  • Chevron relocated its headquarters to Houston following a California lawsuit over climate change deception.
  • Local activists fear lax regulations in Texas will exacerbate air pollution, impacting vulnerable communities.
  • Houston’s Latino neighborhoods already face some of the nation’s worst air quality, with pollution linked to serious health issues.

Key quote:

"Chevron already has a history of breaking the law in Texas. 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"

— Erandi Treviño, Houston environmental activist

Why this matters:

Some residents fear Chevron’s move to Houston could worsen air quality in areas already suffering from pollution, intensifying health risks for Latino communities with limited resources to address these challenges.

Read more: ExxonMobil, LyondellBassel and Chevron among Houston’s top polluters: Report

People silhouetted in an arch carrying suitcases and walking toward the setting sun

Can this film change our understanding of the climate and migration crises?

Josh Fox fueled the fight against fracking with his documentary Gasland. His latest film, The Welcome Table, sends a potent message on climate and immigration.
A view of a tropical beach covered in green ground cover with a dog walking through it

Bank credit remains scarce in Bangladesh where climate risks are highest

The flow of bank credit to climate-vulnerable regions in Bangladesh remains low, with lending heavily concentrated in major commercial areas, including Dhaka.

A beaver chewing on leaves in a water source

Beavers help heal watersheds in drought-stricken US West, experts say

Beaver dams slow moving water in a way that promotes localized year-round availability, creates habitat for native fish and provides a natural break that slows wildfires.

A view of the front of the White House on a sunny day

Trump vowed to stop an 'energy emergency.' Then he created a real one

The president used executive powers to boost oil and coal, but he can't fix the shortages caused by the Iran war.
An aerial view of a complex of buildings

Data centers are burning fossil fuels. It's destroying Big Tech's climate goals

In his new book, Paris Marx explores how global anti-data center movements are fighting Big Tech’s power over us.
From our Newsroom
Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

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.

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

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

Pennsylvania governor Josh Shapiro speaks with the state flag and American flag behind him.

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

silhouette of people holding hands by a lake at sunset

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.”

wildfire retardants being sprayed by plane

New evidence links heavy metal pollution with wildfire retardants

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

Stay informed: sign up for The Daily Climate newsletter
Top news on climate impacts, solutions, politics, drivers. Delivered to your inbox week days.