PASADENA, TX – Media representatives are invited to attend an important public meeting concerning the renewal of Federal Operating Permit No. 1372 for Houston Refining LP. This meeting, scheduled for May 6, 2025 at 7 P.M. San Jacinto College Central Campus (Slocomb Auditorium) 8060 Spencer Highway, Pasadena, Texas 77505, will provide insights into the facility’s operational future, which has significant environmental and health implications for the Pasadena community and beyond.

In the last five years, (LyondellBasell (Houston Refining LP) has faced fines and penalties from the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and TCEQ totaling at least $5.0 million, with a $3.4 million EPA penalty in 2023 for air pollution and a $2.6 million TCEQ penalty also in 2023 for air pollution. This facility also has plans to change itself into a chemical “recycling” plant – an energy intensive and emission heavy process that breaks down plastic either with immense heat ‘pyrolysis’ or using chemicals ‘solvolysis,’ which emits cancer-causing chemicals into the air.

The facility itself is located at 12000 Lawndale St in Houston, TX 77017 and surrounded by over 9,500 homes, three schools, two places of worship, two childcare centers, and two parks within a two mile radius. They are all exposed to air pollution linked to higher rates of asthma and chronic lung disease compared to the county average.

The purpose of the Public Meeting is to hear questions from the communities and to gather their formal public comments about the facility. TCEQ will consider these comments in determining whether to approve the permit as is or revise the permit. As a federal operating permit, EPA Region 6 must also review and approve the TCEQ decision before the permit is issued. The community is strongly encouraged to attend the meeting to ensure their voices are heard in this process. Written comments can be submitted at TCEQ eComment using the Permit Number “1372”. The comment period will close at the end of the meeting.

Furthermore, on April 30th at 6 pm, Air Alliance Houston and partners (Caring for Pasadena Communities, Earthjustice, Environmental Defense Fund, and Lone Star Legal Aid) will host a virtual prep session where we will explain the permit process, what to expect at the Public Meeting, and why this facility is a concern to public health. Click here to register to receive the Zoom link.

UPDATE: You can view the recording of our community prep session for this permit here.