Exxon Mobil, one of the largest multinational oil and gas corporations in the world, is currently being sued for five incidents of chemical releases, or “loops,” at its petrochemical plant in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The lawsuits were filed by local advocacy groups and citizens alleging that the company violated federal air and water quality laws and put nearby residents at risk.
The incidents at the Baton Rouge plant occurred between 2013 and 2018, releasing hazardous pollutants such as benzene and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air and nearby waterways. Benzene is a known carcinogen that can cause leukemia and other serious health problems, while VOCs can cause respiratory irritation and other health effects.
The first incident occurred in November 2013 when a faulty valve caused a release of 9,000 pounds of hazardous chemicals, including benzene and other VOCs. The second incident happened in May 2014 when an equipment malfunction caused the release of 200,000 pounds of toxic gases, including sulfur dioxide and hydrogen sulfide. In April 2015, another incident occurred when a fire broke out at the plant, causing a release of over 10,000 pounds of hazardous chemicals.
The fourth incident occurred in June 2016 when an equipment failure caused the release of 200,000 pounds of hazardous chemicals, including benzene and other VOCs. The fifth and final incident occurred in February 2018 when a fire broke out at the plant, releasing over 350,000 pounds of toxic gases including benzene, 1,3-butadiene, and sulfur dioxide.
Exxon Mobil maintains that they have taken appropriate actions to address these incidents and have invested in improvements to prevent future accidents. However, the lawsuits allege that the company has not done enough to reduce the risk of harm and protect the health and safety of nearby residents.
The advocacy group Louisiana Bucket Brigade initiated the lawsuits on behalf of affected residents. The group’s executive director, Anne Rolfes, stated that the chemical releases “were truly catastrophic events” and that the company must be held accountable for the harm caused to local communities. Rolfes added that the group hopes the lawsuits will force Exxon Mobil to take stronger action to prevent future accidents and invest in technologies that reduce the environmental impact of its operations.
In addition to the local advocacy groups, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has also taken action against Exxon Mobil over the Baton Rouge incidents. In June 2020, the agency fined the company $2.9 million for violating federal emissions standards related to the releases of benzene and other hazardous pollutants at the plant.
The EPA’s action demonstrates the seriousness of the violations and the need for stronger regulations to protect the public from harmful pollutants. While the fines and lawsuits against Exxon Mobil are being pursued, it is important to note that the company has a history of environmental violations and has been fined multiple times for similar incidents at its facilities across the country.
Exxon Mobil is not the only oil and gas company that has faced legal action over chemical releases and air and water pollution. Across the country, communities have fought against the industry’s negative impact on their health and environment. As the negative impact of fossil fuel extraction and production becomes clearer, many are calling for a transition to cleaner, renewable energy sources and stronger regulations to hold corporations accountable for their environmental impact.
In conclusion, Exxon Mobil’s six incidents at its petrochemical plant in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, have resulted in the release of dangerous chemicals including benzene, VOCs, sulfur dioxide, and hydrogen sulfide. The lawsuits filed by Louisiana Bucket Brigade and affected residents highlight the importance of holding corporations accountable for their actions and ensuring that they take strong action to prevent future harm. The EPA’s fines against the company show the need for strong regulations to protect the public from harmful pollutants. Moving forward, it is essential to push for a transition to cleaner, renewable energy sources and reduce the negative impact of fossil fuels on the environment and public health.