EPA’s benzene monitoring initiative shows progress as refinery levels drop; new rules for chemical plants coming in 2026.

A pioneering EPA initiative to monitor airborne benzene levels around oil refineries appears to be leading to long-term results, according to a new analysis by the Environmental Integrity Project. Six refineries had average benzene concentrations exceeding an EPA “action level” of 9 micrograms per cubic meter of air last year, down from nine refineries at the end of 2022 and 11 at 2021. This is the first time the agency has publicly disclosed long-formulated long-distance monitoring for any industry. However, under a separate update, nearly 220 chemical plants will also have to begin tracking fence-line levels of benzene and up to five other pollutants in 2026.