A new climate gamble endangers Louisiana's Cancer Alley
Despite community fears, corporations push controversial carbon capture solutions in Louisiana's heavily polluted Cancer Alley, raising concerns over health and environmental impacts.
Nina Lakhani reports for The Guardian.
In short:
- St Rose, a predominantly Black community in Louisiana's Cancer Alley, faces a new threat from a proposed ammonia and hydrogen plant.
- The plant claims to reduce emissions by capturing and storing carbon dioxide, but experts argue the process is inefficient and dangerous.
- Residents are worried about increased pollution and health risks, while the project is promoted as a clean energy initiative.
Key quote:
“The best any plant has done for net CO2 capture is 25% to 30%, and that’s before the very potent methane [leaks]. The 90% capture rate the industry claims is pure nonsense."
— Robert Howarth, professor of ecology and environmental biology at Cornell University
Why this matters:
Louisiana's 'Cancer Alley' is bracing for impact as corporations and politicians tout carbon capture as the next big climate fix. But while the petrostate's movers and shakers see dollar signs, residents are left wondering if this 'green' initiative is just a smokescreen for more dirty business. Read more: 30 environmental advocacy groups ask PA governor to veto carbon capture bill.
