Public meeting for Western Refining’s Air Quality Permit to happen Thursday

UPDATE: Members at the meeting were unhappy with Western Refining.

They wanted answers for how to have more monitors to find out what is happening with the air quality. Multiple people said they live near the refinery and wanted to have lower emissions.

"I have a beautiful backyard that I feel like I cannot always enjoy because the refinery is in me emitting horrible smells. It smells like rotten eggs," said Linda Favela.

Marathon Refinery did not make comments on camera but said that they weren't trying to increase their output or expand.

"This permit renewal does not seek new authorizations. We're not asking for expansion. We are simply continuing the same operations we've known for decades."

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) will have a public meeting on Western Refining's proposed renewal of its Air Quality Permit.

If renewed, the refinery, located in El Paso's Lower Valley, will be authorized to continue refining petroleum.

The public meeting is scheduled for January 8, 2026, at 6 p.m. Mountain Time at Riverside High School, located at 301 Midway Drive.

The public can mail in comments to TCEQ at the following address:

P.O. Box 13087, Austin, Texas 78711-3087

Community members are also encouraged to submit comments electronically here.