A lot of it has to do with Texas having the Gulf of Mexico ports all along the coast. It’s a big reason petrochemical refining is so big in Texas. Another plus for Texas is it’s abundance of land they can either buy or imminent domain. Now don’t get me wrong I’m not a Texas supporter, but it’s just one of those location based decisions I’m sure.

Not to mention if your a business in Texas you usually only get slaps on the wrist when you poison the environment. Worker safety? Mostly dependent on company policy with the main focus just barely making OSHA compliance. If the fine is cheaper than compliance, a lot of companies just pay the fine if it happens.