Which U.S. Neighborhoods Are Most at Risk from Nearby Refineries?

Refineries play a critical role in supplying fuels and chemicals, but they also release pollutants that pose serious health risks for nearby residents. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), over 6 million Americans live within 3 miles of a refinery. Studies show that these communities experience significantly higher rates of respiratory diseases, cancer, and premature deaths compared to national averages.

This article identifies 10 U.S. neighborhoods most at risk from refinery pollution, examines the health impacts, and discusses environmental justice implications backed by the latest data and maps.

How Refineries Impact Nearby Residents

Top 10 EPA Refinery Lawsuits That Shaped Compliance

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has long considered petroleum refineries a top priority for enforcement because of their large emissions of sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, volatile organic compounds, and hazardous air pollutants. Since the late 1990s, the EPA’s Petroleum Refinery Initiative has pursued sweeping lawsuits that forced refiners to invest billions in upgrades. These enforcement actions changed how the industry operates and set compliance standards that are still in effect today. Below are the ten most significant refinery cases that defined modern environmental law.