WATCH: Deer Park, Texas, petrochemical fire caused by years of federal and state neglect

Investigative reporting finds locals were put at risk by lax a safety response in the 2019 blaze.

In 2019, the sudden outbreak of a chemical fire wreaked havoc on the community of Deer Park, Texas.


A closer look revealed years of neglect leading up to the fire and lax safety measures in its wake.

This video draws from from the following investigative reporting by Public Health Watch and the Texas Tribune:

For years, the EPA and Texas ignored warning signs at a chemical storage site. Then an inferno erupted

Toxic benzene lingered for weeks after shelter-in-place warnings ended following 2019 Houston-area chemical fire

At a heated public hearing, residents urge state agency to reject permit for chemical facility that burned in 2019

Deer Park chemical fire in 2019 could have been prevented, federal investigation finds

The facade of the Environmental Protection Agency

These two laws give EPA authority to regulate CO2 — if it wants to

Administrator Lee Zeldin says his agency can't regulate greenhouse gases without congressional approval. Some legal experts disagree.
An aerial view of a railway and green trees with Richmond, VA in the background

Trees take root as Virginia’s frontline defense against urban heat

As temperatures climb, some parts of the commonwealth are heating up faster than others — a result of too few trees and too little shade.

Dry farm fields with mountains in the background

Forecasters predict, prepare for increased drought and wildfire risk after NOAA climate outlook

After a mild winter and dry spring outlook, here is how Oregon is preparing for the potential of its warmest year on record.

Steel roof beams on a construction site

Data centers are straining the grid. Can they be forced to pay for it?

As backlash grows, a nationwide search is underway for solutions to the AI energy crunch.
A dry section of the Great Salt Lake with mountains in the background

Facing a hotter climate and drying Great Salt Lake, some families plan to leave Utah

Some Utahns are leaving Utah to get away from the drying Great Salt Lake and dust containing heavy metals from its exposed lakebed.
A man in a green hardhat looking at a solar panel

Trump shuns solar, but some prominent MAGA figures disagree

Several prominent conservatives say Republicans should embrace solar energy, despite President Donald Trump working to elevate fossil fuels over renewables.
Chinese electric car manufactured by BYD on display in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico.
Credit: Jim Germond

War-driven energy crisis gives China a boost for its renewable exports

Sales of Chinese electric vehicles and solar panels have surged since the start of the Iran war, companies say. 
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.