TBNClimatePolitics
As Texas embraces carbon storage, a Black community questions the risks
Publication: Grist
Author: Emily Foxhall, The Texas Tribune
Source published: 15/11/2026, 14:00:00 UTC
Briefing created: 15/11/2026, 14:10:30 UTC
Based on a feed excerpt; full article content has not been acquired. Source evidence retrieved 15/11/2026, 14:00:24 UTC.
Briefings
A Texas energy giant, Exxon Mobil, is preparing to pump carbon dioxide underground for storage near the Cheek community in East Texas. The project received approval from the Texas Railroad Commission on September 15, 2026, but the nearby Black community of Cheek has strongly opposed it, citing safety concerns and distrust of the company. Community leaders argue the risks are too high and that the technology is a dangerous distraction from climate goals, while state regulators and some experts note that carbon capture projects have historically failed to protect local residents.
Key points
- Exxon Mobil received approval from the Texas Railroad Commission on September 15, 2026, to inject carbon dioxide underground for storage in East Texas.
- The Cheek community, predominantly Black and working-class, opposes the project due to fears of groundwater contamination and lack of emergency response capabilities.
Context
Carbon capture and storage (CCS) is a major focus for Texas energy policy, with state regulators seeking federal permitting authority to accelerate projects. While Exxon Mobil holds seven agreements to store emissions equivalent to 2 million cars, the Cheek community's opposition highlights a significant conflict between industry expansion and local safety concerns.
Limitations
Evidence is limited to a single article from November 2026 regarding a specific project in East Texas. It does not provide data on the total number of CCS projects approved in Texas, historical accident rates for the state, or the specific volume of carbon stored in Exxon Mobil's agreements.
Generated by Bittrees-hosted qwen35-2b sha256:aaf42c8b7c3c on 15/11/2026, 14:10:30 UTC. Based on publisher-provided feed evidence; may not cover the full original article. Check the source for details.
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