Environmentalists say changes could improve health of many living near refineries, often in impoverished neighborhoods The Environmental Protection Agency on Thursday announced a proposal to tighten oil refinery emission standards for the first time in nearly two decades. Environmentalists hailed the proposed changes as a first step toward reducing rates of cancer and other diseases in “fenceline communities,” the often-impoverished neighborhoods that abut refineries. “The rules look pretty strong, but it’s a solution that’s long overdue,” said James Goodwin, senior analyst at the Center for Progressive Reform. “It was pushed back and pushed back. Every day [the changes] were delayed, more and more people are getting sick.” The proposal is part of a consent decree that resolved a lawsuit filed by attorneys with nonprofit organizations Earthjustice and the Environmental Integrity Project on behalf of Americans directly affected by oil refinery emissions in Louisiana, Texas and California. The changes would […]