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At what cost?': Residents call for action as report deems Houston Ship Channel as 'sacrifice zone

Summary

Residents living near the Houston Ship Channel are urging immediate action following a 131-page report by Amnesty International that designates the area as a "sacrifice zone." The report identifies sacrifice zones as regions with heavy pollution leading to severe health consequences and human rights violations. With over 600 petrochemical facilities contributing to 44% of the nation's petrochemical production, the report emphasizes the adverse impacts on human health, the environment, and the climate. Residents, such as Juan Flores from Galena Park, express concerns about pollution-related health issues. The study reveals an average life expectancy about 20 years lower in zip codes near the Ship Channel. Amnesty International accuses the U.S. government of failing to protect citizens from corporate abuse, calling for urgent action to address environmental racism and human rights infringements.

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