This is a very nuanced issue and also not something that is under the purview of city council per say.

While I understand the concern with the air quality, because I live in the same neighborhoods as well, these are privately owned businesses that have been in this location long before residents have been.

These refineries were out in the middle of nowhere when they began and people have knowingly built and moved next to them.

In my opinion, It is also not within government’s scope to force businesses to spend hundreds of millions of dollars to relocate, even if relocation was possible, because people choose to move next to them.

That being said, I feel that my entire job is to be an advocate for the residents to the city government and a mediator for the city to the residents. I will always try to stand with the residents and plead their case when possible. That is the only reason I ran for office.

This particular request simply isn’t legal or possible as difficult as the air quality can be.

I feel bad that this isn’t the answer that I’m sure many want to hear.
Please feel free to reach out with any thoughts or questions you may have.

Thank you for the voice you give to so many people around the nation!

Sincerely
Suzette Jackson

Note: The Change.org Civic Engagement Team reaches out to decision makers to let them know about petitions in their community and to help facilitate engagement with supporters. This was an email response we received regarding this petition.