Texas petrochemical expansion lacks rewards for host cities

Petrochemical host cities across Texas were expecting economic booms but are instead experiencing blight, health issues, and devalued property. According to our report, promised jobs and economic prosperity have failed to materialize in correlation with the wave of petrochemical expansion the industry has experienced over the last 15 years. 

The report focuses on cities along the Texas Gulf Coast where much of the state’s petrochemical activity occurs, and finds that these areas are experiencing lower median incomes, slower population growth, and less job growth when compared to statewide figures. The report does not find that the petrochemical facilities caused this downturn, but finds that the common claims from oil and gas companies that petrochemical capacity expansion will economically benefit communities are overblown. 

Join IEEFA as we discuss the findings from this report. The webinar will be recorded.