Major industries in Tarrant County dominate the list of top polluters, releasing massive amounts of carbon monoxide and fine particulate matter into the air. According to data collected by the state, oil and gas facilities and defense companies produce the most harmful emissions, followed closely by landfills.
The Fort Worth landfill tops the list for carbon monoxide emissions, producing 103 tons per year, while a gas-fueled electric station operated by Constellation Energy generates the highest levels of fine particulate matter with 73 tons per year. This type of pollution can cause serious health issues, including respiratory problems and premature death.
Federal changes may reduce air pollution data collection, which could impact efforts to track emissions from these polluters. The EPA’s Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program is being phased out, which would mean that many companies will no longer be required to report their emissions.
However, some industries argue that reducing emissions can have negative economic impacts and that they are already taking steps to minimize pollution. Lockheed Martin, for example, has implemented advanced emission control technologies that exceed federal limits. The company also reports a 29% reduction in water usage and a 23% decrease in energy consumption since 2010.
Despite the concerns about reduced data collection, regulators say that statewide pollution data will continue to be monitored as part of other federal air monitoring requirements. City officials in Tarrant County are committed to meeting or exceeding state and federal regulations, with some landfills already having built-in systems to capture and flare biogas.
Source: https://fortworthreport.org/2025/05/19/these-companies-ranked-as-tarrants-biggest-air-polluters-fed-cuts-could-impact-data-collection