In a comprehensive 131-page report, Amnesty International, a human rights organization, has characterized the Houston Ship Channel as a “sacrifice zone.”
As defined by the United Nations, a sacrifice zone denotes an area where residents face significant pollution levels, leading to severe health consequences and violations of human rights.
The report highlights the presence of over 600 petrochemical facilities within the Ship Channel, constituting more than 44% of the nation’s petrochemical production. These facilities process oil and gas into various chemicals used in the production of plastics, fertilizers, and pesticides.
Researchers conducted the study in 2019, focusing on zip codes near the Houston Ship Channel. Their findings revealed that residents in these areas had an average life expectancy roughly 20 years lower than those residing approximately 15 miles west. Moreover, around 80% of individuals living in Houston’s most polluted zones belong to communities of color.
As part of their investigation, Amnesty International interviewed 29 residents of the Ship Channel, including Mike Szumski, who resides near the ExxonMobil Baytown complex. Szumski expressed concerns about the impact of Exxon’s operations on human health and the environment, particularly citing a 2021 blast at the Baytown complex that allegedly damaged his home. Exxon has refuted these claims.
In response to the report, ExxonMobil stated its commitment to complying with all applicable laws and regulations, prioritizing the health and safety of employees and the public, and upholding human rights in its operations.
The complete responses from ExxonMobil and other corporations analyzed are detailed in the conclusion of the report.
