Post by Environmental Defense Fund

New research from EDF’s Dan Peters shows toxic benzene pollution from oil refineries has dropped nationwide ever since EPA began requiring monitoring for it at facility fencelines. But these important clean air gains are not happening equally across the country. Average benzene levels at refineries in Texas and Louisiana were five times higher than in Washington and California. The bottom line: Fenceline monitoring works, and industrial facilities can still do more to prevent pollution. Now it’s time to ensure every community benefits.