El Paso Officials Seek Answers Following Emissions at Marathon Refinery
El Paso City Council is addressing concerns regarding emissions from Marathon Petroleum's El Paso Refinery after residents reported health issues and the company released hazardous compounds in excess of permitted amounts. On August 4-5, Marathon released over 10,000 pounds of propylene, 15 pounds of hydrogen sulfide, and over 1,400 pounds of isopentane, among other compounds. Residents living near the refinery, which is located in a predominantly Hispanic and low-income neighborhood, reported experiencing headaches, nausea, and throat irritation. Gilbert Morales, a resident, shared with the City Council that his wife, a non-smoker, died of lung cancer, and he attributes it to the refinery's pollution. U.S. Rep. Veronica Escobar has called on the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to investigate the incidents. Marathon is currently in the process of renewing its air permit with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), a process that El Paso County has protested. 
