Ken Paxton Files Lawsuit Over Odessa Chemical Fire

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton (R) has filed a lawsuit against Permian Basin Containers (PBC), LLC and related entities, alleging the company's handling of a catastrophic 2024 fire in Odessa led to widespread environmental contamination and ongoing risks to public health.

The lawsuit centers on a July 23, 2024, fire at PBC's facility that triggered multiple explosions of chemical containers, releasing toxic substances, including benzene, into the air, soil, and groundwater.

State officials say the fallout contaminated nearby properties and exposed residents to dangerous pollutants.

"I will not allow any company to threaten the health of Texas communities and fail to take responsible measures to fully address the harm it has caused," said AG Paxton. "My office is taking action to protect Texans, help the affected community, and ensure the cost of this damage does not fall on taxpayers."

According to the filing, the company failed not only to prevent the incident but also to respond to it.

AG Paxton alleges that PBC ignored repeated directives from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality to contain the damage, remove hazardous waste, and reduce harmful emissions in the aftermath of the fire. That failure, the state argues, allowed toxic materials to persist in the environment, prolonging risks to the Odessa community and compounding the scope of the damage.

The lawsuit seeks a court order requiring the company to fully remediate the contaminated site and surrounding areas, halt any further discharges, and comply with Texas environmental laws. Paxton is also pursuing financial damages and reimbursement for cleanup costs.

The case reflects a broader push by Texas officials to hold companies accountable for environmental violations, particularly when industrial incidents leave lasting impacts on communities and public health.