This Texas City Is The DIRTIEST In The Country

Texas is known for doing everything big – big skies, big dreams, and unfortunately, BIG DIRT. In a recent study by LawnStarter, some surprising findings have come to light, putting two of Texas’s largest cities among the top ten filthiest in the United States.

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The Study That Spilled the Dirt

LawnStarter, a reputable lawn care provider, took on the hefty task of evaluating over 150 of the largest U.S. cities. Their criteria included pollution levels, living conditions, infrastructure, and resident satisfaction. They compiled data from several federal agencies, such as the CDC, Census Bureau, Department of Energy, and EPA, to ensure a comprehensive overview.

The study didn't just skim the surface; it dug deep, revealing some unsettling truths about urban cleanliness. Pollution and living conditions were major factors, but so were resident complaints about infrastructure and general satisfaction with their environment.

A Statewide Concern

Texas, known for its massive energy consumption, finds itself at the center of this dirty dilemma. According to KXAN, more than half of the state’s energy consumption stems from the industrial sector, including refineries and petrochemical plants. The EPA even stepped in last April, mandating that chemical plants along the Gulf Coast reduce toxic air pollution to safeguard public health.

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The Top 20 Dirtiest Cities

So, who made the list? Without further ado, here are the top 20 dirtiest cities in the U.S.:

1. Houston, Texas
2. Newark, New Jersey
3. San Bernardino, California
4. Detroit, Michigan
5. Jersey City, New Jersey
6. Bakersfield, California
7. San Antonio, Texas
8. Fresno, California
9. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
10. Yonkers, New York
11. Shreveport, Louisiana
12. New York, New York
13. Birmingham, Alabama
14. Ontario, California
15. Los Angeles, California
16. Modesto, California
17. Palmdale, California
18. Hollywood, Florida
19. Las Vegas, Nevada
20. Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Texas’s Troubling Spots

Houston snagged the top spot due to high pollution levels, significant cockroach problems, and greenhouse gas emissions from large industrial plants. A report from Grist in 2022 highlighted that some of Houston’s petrochemical facilities severely violated EPA safety guidelines.

San Antonio, another Texan heavyweight, ranked seventh. Despite these issues, some Houstonians report higher satisfaction with their city’s cleanliness compared to residents in 33 other large cities.

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Looking Forward

With such rankings, Texas cities face a clear mandate: it's time to clean up their act. Residents and local authorities must collaborate to address these issues, aiming for a future where the Lone Star State shines bright and clean.