# As Texas embraces carbon storage, a Black community questions the risks

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/as-texas-embraces-carbon-storage-a-black-community-questions-the-risks/
- Published: 2026-11-15T14:00:00+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-15T14:21:22+00:00
- Original publisher: Grist (publisher lean: Left)
- Original article: https://grist.org/accountability/as-texas-embraces-carbon-storage-a-black-community-questions-the-risks/
- Topics: Climate, Science

## Key points

- Cheek residents challenge Exxon Mobil’s carbon storage permit.
- They fear leaks could threaten groundwater and community safety.
- Supporters say carbon storage can help reduce industrial emissions.

## Summary

Exxon Mobil is preparing to store carbon dioxide underground near Beaumont, in what could become Texas’s first operating project of its kind. Residents of nearby Cheek, a predominantly Black community, have asked state regulators to reconsider the permit, saying they distrust assurances about safety and feel their concerns have not been adequately addressed.

The Texas Railroad Commission approved the project in September after gaining federal authority to issue permits. Residents and experts cite possible pipeline accidents, underground leaks, groundwater contamination and risks to people nearby, while supporters argue carbon storage can help cut industrial emissions. Exxon Mobil has seven storage agreements whose combined carbon volume is equivalent to emissions from 2 million cars; the article also says companies have cancelled or paused nearly a third of 19 proposed Texas projects.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.