Valero Exploded…Again

In March, a major explosion at Valero’s Port Arthur refinery sent smoke and chemical emissions into surrounding communities and reminded Southeast Texans that refinery accidents are not “rare” here, they’re part of everyday life. Lawsuits have already been filed following the incident as residents continue demanding accountability and stronger protections. Reuters Valero Explosion Article

We Helped Stop the ETP Plastics Project

One major environmental justice win this season: the proposed Energy Transfer Partners plastics plant project in Nederland was canceled. The project would have expanded fossil fuel infrastructure throughout Southeast Texas, raising concerns about explosions, pollution, environmental destruction, and industrial expansion across the region. Look for our impending @ in an article by Environmental Integrity Project.

CJT Zine Release

Our newest zine is out now!! We’re also transitioning from a zine format into more of a magazine-style publication moving forward and we’re really excited about it. CJT Magazine

Supporting SETX Impact x Annie’s List on Tax Abatements

We’ve been collaborating with SETX Impact Initiative and Annie’s List to educate ourselves and others on tax abatements and how they affect Southeast Texas communities. Basically: giant corporations get tax breaks while local communities are left dealing with pollution, flooding risks, infrastructure strain, underfunded schools, and public resources. Love that. Texas is “Open for Business,” but what does that mean for Texans?

CJT Programming Updates

We’ve been working on finalizing distinctions between our 501c3 and 501c4 programming and restructuring some projects for sustainability. This means we’re officially pausing the Landscape Legacy Project (for now) while preparing to launch Everywhere, Everyday Earth Day.

Ariana Akbari on the Working Girl Podcast

CJT founder Ariana Akbari was featured on the Working Girl Podcast, discussing youth organizing, burnout, environmental advocacy, and what it’s like to build a grassroots movement in the American oil heartland.

It’s honest, hopeful, and very Southeast Texas. Working Girl Podcast

Open Source Anti-AI Letter
The Pope thinks AI is creepy and honestly…same.

The Pope has concerns about AI. Climate Justice Texas has concerns about AI. Your overworked group chat probably has concerns about AI.

As AI companies race to build bigger models and larger data centers, we're asking bigger questions about energy use, water consumption, labor, corporate power, and who actually benefits from all of it. We've launched an Open Source Anti-AI Letter and resource page exploring why AI isn't just a tech conversation, it's an environmental justice conversation too. Check out our letter here, CJT Open Anti AI Letter

Viva la Resistance, We Guess?

Being a youth-focused frontline organization right now is exhausting, weird, and often thankless. The systems we’re fighting are huge, but so is community power.
And honestly? We’re just getting started. And although it sucks often being unrecognized fall guys of the neoliberal system….we are proud to be the best sharp shooters that we have this side of the Neches.