In a monumental win for environmental justice and community health, the United States Supreme Court has officially rejected ExxonMobil’s appeal, letting stand a record-breaking $14.25 million judgment for years of illegal air pollution at its Baytown refinery and chemical complex. This marks the largest civil penalty ever awarded in a Clean Air Act citizen suit—and it’s a game-changer.

👏🏽 Harris County Attorney Christian D. Menefee, who joined forces with the City of Houston and Air Alliance Houston by filing an amicus brief in support of the plaintiffs, hailed the decision as a long-awaited victory:

“This decision is a victory for the people of Baytown and communities all along the Ship Channel... The Supreme Court’s ruling makes clear: clean air and public health take priority over corporate profit.”

📆 The legal battle spans 15 years and centers on over 16,000 days of permit violations between 2005 and 2013, during which ExxonMobil released more than 10 million pounds of unauthorized pollution into the air.

🌬️ This ruling sends a powerful message: corporations will be held accountable for environmental harm—no matter how far they try to run from responsibility. For the resilient residents of Baytown and beyond, it's a reaffirmation that people and the planet come first.

💚 Stay informed and empowered with Houston Style Magazine—where community, justice, and truth meet.

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