Drilled “All Hell Breaks Loose”: How Big Oil Ruined a Small Texas Town
8 snips
May 30, 2025 In this episode, Alex Ip, founder and editor of The Xylom, reveals the dramatic transformation of Ingleside on the Bay, Texas, from a quiet community to a booming oil export hub. He discusses how residents went from indifference to activism as they faced environmental hazards and health crises from nearby oil facilities. The podcast delves into their struggles for accountability, the impact of data loss on environmental awareness, and the vital role of journalism in advocating for better regulation and community safety.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Wealthy Town Faces Oil Impact
- Ingleside on the Bay is a wealthy, predominantly white, conservative town transformed into a fence line community by nearby large crude oil export terminals.
- Half of the US's crude oil export industry operates near this small town, impacting residents living within a mile of operations.
Residents Shocked, Organizing Together
- Many residents moved in unaware the naval base would be replaced by oil export terminals, expecting a peaceful retirement.
- They are shocked by the environmental impact but now organize with diverse local groups to demand better regulations.
Leveraging Privilege for Activism
- Ingleside residents recognize their privileges and leverage philanthropic funding to support their organizing efforts.
- They focus on showing up to hearings and presenting a clear, unified message to fight environmental harms.