Tell the EPA to protect Texas communities from toxic pollution

Black and Brown communities are hit hardest [View in Browser]( [Amnesty International candle logo]( [TELL THE EPA: PROTECT COMMUNITIES FROM HARMFUL POLLUTION »]( Dear {NAME}, A health and environmental catastrophe is unfolding in Texas right now. More than 600 petrochemical companies along the Houston Ship Channel are spewing toxic pollution into the air and water of nearby communities every day. And it’s Black, Brown, and communities with less economic resources that are suffering the most. The air quality of frontline communities along the Houston Ship Channel is among the worst in the U.S. Petrochemical companies regularly exceed their permitted limits on air pollution, often exposing communities to huge pollution spikes on top of the chronic exposure they face on a daily basis. Their human rights are being violated. Community members told us about cancers, respiratory issues, fertility and pregnancy complications, and other health issues they believe are linked to the petrochemical pollution. One person said nearly every household on their street has been impacted by a cancer diagnosis. [ACT NOW: Tell the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to intervene and protect people in Houston from dangerous pollution exposure »]( Why hasn’t anyone stepped in? Instead of cracking down on these companies in order to protect Texas residents, state regulators regularly renew the operating permits of these companies and greenlight their ongoing pollution. The companies aren’t facing consequences, but the neighboring residents are. And nothing is being done to protect them. [ACT NOW]( In a new report, Amnesty International researchers spoke to residents nearby who reported constant odors, headaches, illness, disease, and death associated with the toxic pollution. Teachers described foul smells seeping into their classrooms and students feeling nausea, headaches, and eye and throat irritation as a result. [Tell authorities that we must protect the Black and Brown communities suffering the most under damaging levels of chemical pollution »]( UN experts have described places like this — where residents suffer mental and physical harm from pollution and contamination — as “sacrifice zones.” Commenting on the lack of enforcement or protection by authorities, a resident told our researchers: “They don’t care, we’re minorities. That’s the truth. That’s why so many lives have been lost over the years.” Environmental racism like this is unacceptable. Black and Brown communities in Houston need protection from harmful pollution. And companies flouting laws and regulations must face consequences. [That’s why we’re asking the EPA and the Department of Justice (DOJ) to step in and force regulators to uphold environmental laws and hold these companies accountable.]( We must act to make sure that people and human rights are held above money and power. We aren’t scared of greedy corporations. We’ve challenged them before and we’ll do it whenever and wherever human rights are under threat. Our movement has the collective power to force change — and you’re an important part of that. [Please take action now to protect residents in Houston.]( Thank you, Terrance Sullivan Director of Racial Justice Amnesty International USA [DONATE NOW]( © 2024 Amnesty International USA 311 W 43rd Street, 7th Floor, New York, NY 10036 | 1-800-AMNESTY Please don't reply to this email. You can send questions to aimember@aiusa.org. We’re so happy you’re here to hear about the most important updates on human rights! If necessary, you can [opt to receive fewer emails]( or [unsubscribe here](. [supporter]