Refinery Reform Campaign

Contact:
Don Maierson: 713-398-3366
or John Card: 832-483-4710 or
Hilton Kelley: 409-498-1088 or
Denny Larson 800-670-3841.

Port Arthur Refineries and Chemical Plants Sued by Hundreds of Area Pollution Victims

Major Firms from Houston to Battle Upset Plagued Industries on Behalf of Low Income Neighbors for Medical Needs & Human Rights

Port Arthur pollution victims and their attorney's held a news conference on the steps of Jefferson County Courthouse to announce a major lawsuit against Port Arthur area chemical plants and refineries. Over 500 currently named Plaintiffs in the lawsuit, are alleging air, soil, and general contamination due to the release of "noxious fumes, vapors, odors and hazardous substances." The number of citizens participating in the lawsuit is expected to grow dramatically. The suit seeks medical monitoring and reimbursement of medical expenses incurred and compensation for loss of quality of life.

The lawsuit is being brought pursuant to the common laws of Texas and the "Wrongful Death Act" and the "Survival Statute." According to John Card, one of the citizens' Attorneys, "The evidence we have obtained shows a habitual pattern of emissions and discharges that endanger the health of the public. These are clearly not 'unavoidable accidents'."

Don Maierson, another attorney for the fenceline neighbors of Port Arthur said, "The industries have destroyed the quality of life of their neighbors. It is clearly illegal to deny citizens the right to breathe clean air and have full use and enjoyment of their property." The pleadings filed today charge the local industries have "violated these basic human rights which we must honor as a society if we are all to live in peace and well being."

Companies named in the lawsuit include Premcor Refining, BASF Corp., Atofina Petrochemicals, Chevron Phillips Chemical Corp, Huntsman Petrochemical Corp., Motiva Enterprises, and others. Pollution impacts from Port Arthur industries have been the subject of national news stories, U.S. Senate special hearings, and the focus of state and federal investigations.

"While we hope to work with the facilities to be good neighbors in the future, the courts seem to be our only hope to seek justice for the past chemical exposures and the serious health problems that Port Arthur's fenceline neighbors have experienced," said Hilton Kelley, Community In-power and Development Association (CIDA).

The law firms suing on behalf of the communities are the pioneers in this type of litigation with over 20 years of experience. The claims include trespass, nuisance, negligence, as well as, fraud and misrepresentation of the harm caused by the toxic releases. The firms include the Newton B. Schwartz, Sr., Maierson Law Firm, Houssiere, Durant and Houssiere.

Contact: Don Maierson: 713-398-3366 or John Card: 832-483-4710 or Hilton Kelley: 409-498-1088 or Denny Larson 800-670-3841.