Chevron's Venezuelan Oil Deals Spark Pollution Concerns in Mississippi

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A New York Times report has accused a Chevron refinery in Pascagoula, Mississippi of potentially worsening pollution and health issues in the local community due to processing more Venezuelan oil. However, the claims about cancer risks are not supported by existing studies, which have found lower cancer rates among refinery workers compared to the general population. While some residents have reported irritation, shortness of breath, and nausea, the activist-led study making these claims lacked proper verification and quantitative air quality data.

Why it matters

The story highlights ongoing tensions between the oil industry, environmental groups, and local communities over the health and environmental impacts of refinery operations. It also touches on the geopolitical implications of U.S. involvement in Venezuela's oil industry under the Trump administration.

The details

The Chevron refinery in Pascagoula, Mississippi has been processing Venezuelan oil since the 1990s. With the U.S. taking a more active role in Venezuela's oil industry under the Trump administration, the refinery may have the opportunity to process even more Venezuelan crude. However, green activists have raised concerns about the potential health impacts, claiming refinery emissions could lead to 'acute short-term health effects like irritation, shortness of breath, even nausea' and potentially be 'linked to cancer' in the long-term.

• The Chevron refinery in Pascagoula has been processing Venezuelan oil since the 1990s.
• In 2025, a study was published in the journal Environment Research Letters about detecting air pollution and its effects in Pascagoula.

What’s next

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