About Us

The Healthy Port Communities Coalition (HPCC)

Is a coalition of nonprofit, community-driven organizations that work to create a healthier Houston. Public Citizen and its partners founded the HPCC in 2011 with the goal of advocating for the health and well-being of communities along the Houston Ship Channel. Specifically, HPCC works toward environmental and economic justice for communities located near Port Houston and its freight pathways. The coalition includes community and environmental organizations: Air Alliance Houston, Achieving Community Tasks Successfully (ACTS), Coalition of Community Organizations (COCO), East Harris County Empowerment Council (EHCEC), Public Citizen, and Texas Health & Environmental Alliance (THEA).

HPCC advocates for healthy and prosperous Houston Ship Channel communities. We have worked to expand transparency at Port Houston, reduce pollution through zero emissions technology, and protect people’s health through protective standards and enforcement. HPCC recognizes the importance of an informed and active local community and we provide information and tools for local residents to advocate for themselves and their communities.

Strategic Priorities and Goals

Plan Drawing

Priorities

  • Health & Safety: Advocate on behalf of Port communities so that people have a say in their lives and feel Safe.
    • Air Quality: Minimize emissions and air toxins that pose long-term public health risks and reduce chemical incidents.
      • Accountability: Increase transparency, accountability, and consequences for polluters. Ensure the development of a proactive emergency response to protect communities.
      House Gathering

      Goals

      • Project 11 Houston Ship Channel Expansion Project
      • A Zero Emissions Future
      • Healthy Communities For All
      • Transparency and Community Involvement in Decision Making
      • Economic Benefit
      House Gathering

      Legislative Agenda

      • Economy
      • Energy & The Environment
      • Clean Air
      • Chemical Safety

      The Timeline of HPCC

      November 2012
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      November 2012

      November 20HPCC Founded

      The Healthy Port Communities Coalition (HPCC) is founded with support from the Houston Endowment.

      September 2013
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      September 2013

      SeptemberChairman’s Citizens Advisory Council Established

      Port Houston Commission Chairman Janice Longoria established the Chairman’s Citizens Advisory Council. Founding members include Brian Butler of Air Alliance Houston, Rev. James Caldwell of the Coalition of Community Organizations, and Bridgette Murray of Achieving Community Tasks Successfully.

      October 2013
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      October 2013

      OctoberProfile of Community Health Created

      The HPCC surveys almost 400 Ship Channel community members to create a profile of community health and concerns. The survey report is presented to then Vice President Joe Biden during his visit to Port Houston.
      March 2014
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      March 2014

      MarchFederal Non-Profit Status Received

      Rev. James Caldwell receives federal nonprofit status for the Coalition of Community Organizations with assistance from the HPCC. COCO’s first funding as a nonprofit comes as an HPCC subgrant.
      November 2015
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      November 2015

      November 4Heavy Truck Idling Ban Passed

      The City of Houston unanimously passes the heavy truck anti-idling ordinance.
      October 2016
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      October 2016

      October 10Houston ISD Passes Bus Idling Ban

      HPCC members place anti-idling bumper stickers on every school bus in Houston ISD after the district passes a no-idling policy.
      Jan - Dec 2016
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      Jan - Dec 2016

      2016HPCC Ship Channel Tours Begin

      HPCC conducts 17 tours of Houston Ship Channel communities for more than 100 participants during the year.

      October 2018
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      October 2018

      OctoberU of H Releases Clean Transportation Benefits Report

      The University of Houston releases an HPCC-funded report on the benefits of clean transportation. The report shows the potential for $2 billion in health benefits in 2040 from an aggressive electrification scenario.

      April 2021
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      April 2021

      AprilWinter Storm Uri Funding Awarded

      The HPCC is awarded emergency funding from the JPB Foundation to respond to Winter Storm Uri.

      August 2021
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      August 2021

      AugustFirst Port Houston Clean Air Strategy Plan Released

      Port Houston releases its first Clean Air Strategy Plan. The plan includes a Good Movement Emissions Inventory for 2019
      September 2021
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      September 2021

      SeptemberHARC Releases Report On Port Houston Pollution

      The Houston Advanced Research Center (HARC) releases an HPCC-funded report on pollution from the Port’s latest dredge and dump project. The report shows $115 million in health impacts from one year of activity during the six-year project.
      October 2021
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      October 2021

      OctoberPort Houston Plans To Clean Up Their Dredging

      After the HARC report is the lead story in the Houston Chronicle, Port Houston announces it will delay the start of the dredge and dump project in order to contract for clean dredging equipment.

      May 2022
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      May 2022

      MayHPCC Receives New Funding

      The HPCC receives funding from the Jacob and Terese Hershey Foundation to continue its operations into a second decade.

      HPCC Members

      Creating a Healthier Houston by Preventing Pollution Before It Happens

      We can join together to ask our city officials and representatives to reduce pollution and congestion by 50% over the next 20 years, to create a disaster and toxic risk reduction plan, and zero emissions trucks, engines, and marine vessels.