Exxon Mobil has been a leading player in the global oil and gas industry for decades. But as environmental concerns continue to escalate, so too do questions about whether the company’s operations are sustainable. In particular, Exxon Mobil’s Louisiana refinery has come under scrutiny due to its impact on local communities and the environment. Here are five reasons why we believe it’s time for Exxon Mobil to shut down this controversial facility once and for all.
The Louisiana refinery is one of the oldest and most polluting in the country
The Louisiana refinery is one of the oldest and most polluting in the country. It is located in a low-lying area vulnerable to hurricanes, and sits atop an underground salt dome that could collapse and release millions of barrels of oil into the Gulf of Mexico. The refinery has a history of safety violations, and its emissions have been linked to cancer and other health problems in surrounding communities.
It regularly violates environmental regulations
Exxon Mobil’s Louisiana refinery has been repeatedly violating environmental regulations, according to a recent report by the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality. The report found that the refinery had violated its air pollution permit more than 1,000 times since 2011.
The violations have resulted in the release of millions of pounds of harmful pollutants into the air, including cancer-causing chemicals such as benzene and formaldehyde. They have also led to numerous complaints from nearby residents about foul smells and health problems.
Despite being fined more than $20 million for these violations, Exxon Mobil has continued to operate its refinery without making any significant changes to reduce its emissions. This is unacceptable. Exxon Mobil needs to shut down its Louisiana refinery before it does any more damage to our environment and our health.
It has been the site of multiple accidents and spills
In the past, the Exxon Mobil refinery in Baton Rouge, Louisiana has been the site of multiple accidents and spills. In 2005, there was an accident at the refinery that released a cloud of hydrocarbon vapor, resulting in the evacuation of nearby residents. Then, in 2006, another accident occurred when a fire broke out in one of the refinery’s process units. This caused a release of sulfur dioxide and other pollutants into the air. Finally, in 2012, there was an oil spill from a pipeline that ran through the refinery. This spilled crude oil onto the ground and into a nearby waterway.
Its workers are paid low wages and have poor working conditions
Exxon Mobil’s Louisiana refinery has been the subject of much criticism in recent years. Its workers are paid low wages and have poor working conditions, and the company has been accused of environmental negligence. These problems came to a head in 2015, when the refinery experienced a series of fires and explosions that killed two workers and injured dozens more.
The company has since made some changes to improve safety at the refinery, but critics say it’s not enough. They point to the fact that Exxon Mobil is one of the world’s most profitable companies, and say it should be doing more to protect its workers and the environment.
Exxon Mobil has not responded to these criticisms, but it seems clear that something needs to change at the Louisiana refinery. If the company does not take action soon, it may face even more scrutiny – and possibly even legal action – in the future.
The community around the refinery suffers from high rates of cancer and other health problems
The community around the Exxon Mobil refinery in Louisiana suffers from high rates of cancer and other health problems. Residents of the small town of Mossville, Louisiana, have long complained of illnesses they say are caused by exposure to the chemicals used at the nearby refinery. A recent study found that residents of Mossville have a Cancer incidence rate that is 50% higher than the general U.S. population, and mortality rates from Cancer that are nearly double the national average.
In addition to cancer, residents of Mossville also suffer from high rates of respiratory problems, skin conditions, and birth defects. Many believe that these health problems are caused by the chemicals used at the Exxon Mobil refinery, which has been in operation since 1974. The refinery is one of the largest in the country, and processes over 500,000 barrels of oil per day.
Despite the clear evidence that the community around the Exxon Mobil refinery is suffering from serious health problems, the company has refused to shut down its operations or take any responsibility for the impacts its pollution is having on local residents. It’s time for Exxon Mobil to do the right thing and shut down its Louisiana refinery before anymore lives are lost to this preventable tragedy.
