In a landmark decision, the U.S. Supreme Court has declined to hear ExxonMobil’s appeal against a $14.25 million civil penalty for violations of the Clean Air Act at its Baytown, Texas, refinery complex. This move effectively concludes a 15-year legal battle initiated by environmental groups, marking a significant victory for citizen-led environmental enforcement.
The legal proceedings began in 2010 when Environment Texas and the Sierra Club filed a lawsuit against ExxonMobil, alleging that the company’s Baytown facility committed over 16,000 violations of the Clean Air Act between 2005 and 2013. These infractions involved the unauthorized release of nearly 10 million pounds of pollutants, including known carcinogens such as benzene and volatile organic compounds .
In 2017, U.S. District Judge David Hittner ruled in favor of the plaintiffs, initially imposing a $19.95 million fine. However, after appeals and reassessments, the penalty was reduced to $14.25 million in 2021. ExxonMobil continued to challenge the ruling, arguing that the plaintiffs lacked the legal standing to sue and questioning the methodology used to establish standing .
On June 30, 2025, the Supreme Court declined to review ExxonMobil’s appeal, thereby upholding the lower court’s decision. The justices did not provide a comment on their refusal, a common practice when denying certiorari. This decision reinforces the precedent that citizens have the right to sue for environmental violations, even if the penalties are paid to the federal government rather than directly to the plaintiffs .
The Supreme Court’s refusal to hear the case underscores the judiciary’s support for citizen-led enforcement of environmental laws. Environmental advocates hailed the decision as a significant affirmation of public participation in holding polluters accountable.
“This ruling affirms a bedrock principle of constitutional law that people who live near pollution-spewing industrial facilities have a personal stake in holding polluters accountable,” said Josh Kratka, managing attorney at the National Environmental Law Center .
Residents of Baytown, a city located approximately 25 miles east of Houston, have long expressed concerns about the health impacts of emissions from the ExxonMobil facility. Sharon Sprayberry, a 75-year-old resident who joined the lawsuit, believes her lifelong battle with asthma is linked to the refinery’s pollution.
“The importance of the case is the legal standing for citizens to speak up and say, ‘This air is not clean, and this is why,'” Sprayberry stated .
Despite the legal victory, residents remain vigilant. Data indicates that emissions of certain pollutants, such as benzene and 1,3-butadiene, have increased since 2013, raising ongoing concerns about air quality in the area .
ExxonMobil expressed disappointment with the Supreme Court’s decision. In a statement, the company said, “We’re disappointed in this decision and considering other legal options.” The company has previously argued that it invested over $6 billion in facility improvements, leading to a 95% reduction in unauthorized emissions by 2013 .
The Supreme Court’s decision to uphold the $14.25 million fine against ExxonMobil sets a precedent for citizen-led environmental enforcement and emphasizes the accountability of corporations for environmental violations. While the ruling marks a significant legal victory, the ongoing concerns of Baytown residents highlight the need for continued vigilance and enforcement to ensure clean air and public health.
