chemical recycling Youngstown
Youngstown has a long industrial history and is still home to numerous sources of industrial pollution, including a steel plant and other metal fabricators, a concrete plant, and a hazardous waste processing facility. (Credit: Kristina Marusic for EHN)

Listen: Why communities in Pennsylvania, Ohio and West Virginia are fighting chemical recycling plants

EHN reporter Kristina Marusic discusses her new three-part series on the controversies surrounding chemical recycling.

PITTSBURGH — EHN reporter Kristina Marusic recently spoke with The Allegheny Front about three communities in the Ohio River Valley that are fighting proposed chemical recycling plants.


Chemical recycling is an umbrella term for processes that use heat, chemicals or both to break down plastic waste into component parts for reuse as plastic feedstocks or as fuel. The industry says chemical recycling could help solve the plastic waste crisis, but some environmental health advocates say chemical recycling facilities worsen climate change and emit toxic chemicals.

Marusic recently wrote about community fights to stop proposed advanced recycling facilities in Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia. Listen to her interview with The Allegheny Frontbelow.

Listen: Kamala Harris and Donald Trump present vastly different visions for climate action

In the lead-up to the U.S. election, Kamala Harris and Donald Trump offer sharply contrasting climate policies, with Harris advocating for green energy investment while Trump questions its economic benefits.

Sumi Somaskanda reports for the BBC.

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Senator Whitehouse puts climate change on budget committee’s agenda

For more than a decade, Senator Sheldon Whitehouse gave daily warnings about the mounting threat of climate change. Now he has a powerful new perch.

A former top Interior official violated ethics rules by holding oil company stocks

Tommy Beaudreau, former Deputy Secretary of the Interior, improperly held stock in ExxonMobil and Chevron while participating in a meeting affecting those companies, according to a report by the agency’s internal watchdog.

Maxine Joselow reports for The Washington Post.

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Wealthy nations stall on climate reparations pledges

Rich nations have fallen short in following up on their initial pledges to the UN’s loss-and-damage fund, leaving poor nations struggling with the fallout of climate change.

Naveena Sadasivam reports for Grist.

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Trump rejects climate crisis while visiting hurricane-ravaged Georgia

As Hurricane Helene's devastation worsens, Trump denies climate change and seeks campaign donations from the fossil fuel industry, which contributes heavily to global warming.

Dharna Noor reports for The Guardian.

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Credit: ThePollinationProject/Flickr/

Restoring Navajo land through traditional farming techniques

In the parched Black Mesa region, Navajo farmers like Roberto Nutlouis are reviving ancient methods to restore watersheds, boost food sovereignty, and heal their ecosystem.

Lela Nargi reports for Yale Environment 360.

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Montana groups sue to block coal mine expansion over water and tribal concerns

Three environmental groups are suing Montana’s DEQ over its approval of a coal mine expansion that threatens groundwater, sacred Native sites and ranchers' livelihoods.

Darrell Ehrlick reports for Daily Montanan.

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Pennsylvania Senate candidates face tough questions on climate and energy

Pennsylvania’s Senate candidates, Bob Casey and Dave McCormick, will debate on Oct. 3, with key questions expected on climate change, energy and fracking.

Kiley Bense reports for Inside Climate News.

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