
|
IIn West Port Arthur, Shell operates a large oil refinery with the Saudi Arabian company Motiva. The refinery emits great quantities of toxic substances, which are known to cause damage to the heart and respiratory system. A study by the University of Texas showed that 80 per cent of West Port Arthur residents who took part in the study suffer from heart and respiratory ailments. This is nearly three times as much as the national average. Shell has plans to further expand the refinery.
Community groups in Port Arthur recently reached an agreement with Shell. This case shows that effective local campaigning and pressure can lead to agreements with Shell. Not all of their demands have been complied with yet, however, so the struggle will continue.
to website gcmonitor.org >
|