Protesters Rally Outside Major Energy Conference in Houston

About 300 demonstrators chant for clean air and against billionaires at CERAWeek event

Mar. 24, 2026 at 5:37pm

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Around 300 protesters gathered outside the Houston hotel hosting the annual CERAWeek energy industry conference, chanting slogans like 'we need clean air, not another billionaire!' The protesters, representing 45 organizations from across the U.S., are voicing concerns over the environmental and health impacts of the energy industry's activities.

Why it matters

The CERAWeek conference is one of the largest annual gatherings of top energy executives, government officials, and industry leaders. The protest highlights growing public pressure on the energy sector to address environmental and social justice issues, as communities impacted by industrial activities demand greater accountability.

The details

The protesters assembled in a park across the street from the conference hotel, where they chanted and held signs. Houston police officers, some on horseback, were stationed around the fenced-off protest area as conference attendees walked by. The protesters represent a range of organizations, including the Texas Campaign for the Environment, who say communities are 'suffering the consequences of hyperindustrialization' and want the industry to take more responsibility.

  • The protest took place on Monday, March 23, 2026.

The players

Chloe Torres

A protester from Corpus Christi, Texas, representing the Texas Campaign for the Environment.

Chris Wright

The U.S. Energy Secretary, who was scheduled to attend the CERAWeek conference.

Doug Burgum

The U.S. Interior Secretary, who was also scheduled to attend the CERAWeek conference.

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What they’re saying

“We're suffering the consequences of hyperindustrialization. This is what has people getting sicker. It's a huge strain on our lives. It's like they expect us to just take it. We've come here to Houston to confront them.”

— Chloe Torres, Protester, Texas Campaign for the Environment

The takeaway

The protest outside CERAWeek highlights the growing public pressure on the energy industry to address environmental and social justice concerns, as communities impacted by industrial activities demand greater accountability and action on issues like air quality and public health.