Louisiana's tax breaks for polluting plastics plants raise environmental justice concerns

A recent report highlights the environmental and health impacts of Louisiana's tax-supported plastics plants, particularly on communities of color.

Mark Schleifstein reports for NOLA.

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In short:

• The Environmental Integrity Project's report criticizes the $5.6 billion in tax breaks given to Louisiana's chemical companies since 2013, underlining the pollution impact on nearby minority communities.
• Despite industry claims, 84% of plastics plants violated air pollution permits over the past three years, with significant toxic emissions reported.
• The report emphasizes the need for stricter fenceline monitoring and criticizes the lack of enforcement actions against violators.

Key quote:

"In Louisiana, there's an environmental justice component... close to 600,000 people live within three miles of these plants and about two-thirds of them, 66%, are communities of color."

— Alexandra Shaykevich, research manager at EIP

Why this matters:

The report, based on federal and state data, sheds light on the disproportionate impact of industrial pollution on communities of color, emphasizing a need for policy reforms to protect vulnerable populations and ensure equitable health outcomes. As much of the world struggles to loosen the death grip of fossil fuels, into the breach steps petrochemicals.