chemicals
Newsletter
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A pipeline explosion in Texas causes evacuation and damages homes
A pipeline fire ignited after a vehicle struck a valve near Houston, prompting investigations and an evacuation of nearly 1,000 homes.
In short:
- A vehicle crashed into a pipeline valve near Houston, causing an explosion and a massive fire that burned for over 12 hours.
- Nearby homes caught fire due to intense heat, and authorities evacuated 1,000 households while firefighters attempted to contain the flames.
- Air monitoring detected no immediate health risks, though the fire released soot and particulate matter into the environment.
Key quote:
“A lot of the house structures that are adjacent to that are still catching on fire even though we’re putting a lot of water on them.”
— Jerry Mouton Jr., Mayor of Deer Park.
Why this matters:
Pipeline explosions in Houston’s petrochemical region are common, raising concerns about the safety of the infrastructure and its impact on nearby communities and the environment. Residents must grapple with repeated disruptions and potential long-term risks.
Related EHN coverage:
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Lawmakers push for stronger regulations on PFAS used in EV batteries
U.S. lawmakers are urging stricter regulations on PFAS, chemicals used in EV batteries, amid concerns over widespread contamination.
In short:
- Two U.S. lawmakers are advocating for tighter controls on PFAS, toxic chemicals found in various products, including EV batteries.
- A bill known as the PFAS Action Act seeks to enforce stricter regulations, but it has yet to pass in the Senate.
- Despite ongoing concerns, companies like Syensqo continue to expand production with government support, raising environmental and health risks.
Key quote:
"PFAS are found in everything from construction materials to cookware to basic household supplies – this isn’t an EV problem, it’s a PFAS problem.”
— Rep. Frank Pallone Jr., House Energy and Commerce Committee.
Why this matters:
PFAS, often called "forever chemicals," pose severe health risks and are difficult to remove from the environment. As the EV industry grows, the unchecked use of these chemicals could lead to long-term public health issues.
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Fracking emerges as pivotal issue in Pennsylvania Senate race
In Pennsylvania's Senate race, fracking has become a focal point as Republican Dave McCormick challenges Democratic incumbent Bob Casey.
In short:
- Dave McCormick is leveraging fracking as a key issue in his Senate campaign against Bob Casey, aiming to appeal to conservative voters while portraying Casey as anti-industry.
- Both McCormick and Casey have similar energy policies supporting natural gas, nuclear power, and clean energy, despite McCormick's focus on Casey's alleged opposition to fracking.
- The Senate race underscores broader electoral concerns about the environment and energy, especially in Pennsylvania, where fracking is a significant economic driver.
Key quote:
“McCormick has been pretty clear that he’s not particularly interested in taking the climate crisis very seriously.”
— Ilyas Khan, hub coordinator for Sunrise Pittsburgh
Why this matters:
Fracking is a contentious issue in Pennsylvania, a key swing state, impacting both the environment and the economy. This race could influence national energy policies and climate strategies amid rising concerns about fossil fuels.
Related EHN coverage:
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US and China work together to cut nitrous oxide emissions
The Biden administration announced a plan to reduce nitrous oxide emissions from chemical plants, aiming for significant greenhouse gas reductions through cooperation with China.
In short:
- The U.S. and China aim to reduce nitrous oxide emissions, a potent greenhouse gas, through a cooperative agreement.
- Nitrous oxide, 273 times more potent than CO2, significantly contributes to climate change and ozone depletion.
- Industry leaders and policymakers discussed these initiatives at a White House summit, emphasizing voluntary industry participation and carbon credits.
Key quote:
“This is a big opportunity. The fruit is large, it’s low [hanging], it’s ripe.”
— Manish Bapna, president of the Natural Resources Defense Council
Why this matters:
Nitrous oxide emissions are a major driver of climate change and ozone layer depletion. Reducing these emissions could have a substantial impact on global greenhouse gas levels, comparable to removing millions of cars from the roads.
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Credit: Fahroni/Big Stock Photo
Toxic chemicals in EV battery production raise health concerns
As the demand for electric vehicle batteries grows, communities near production sites worry about toxic chemical exposure and health risks.
In short:
- EV batteries use PVDF, a polymer made by companies previously linked to dangerous chemical emissions.
- Residents near these plants, such as in New Jersey and Georgia, report health issues and ongoing legal battles over contamination.
- Experts warn that new manufacturing methods may still produce harmful byproducts, posing ongoing risks.
Key quote:
"For 45 years we’ve lived in it, bathed in it, cooked with it, drank it.’"
— Richard Bond, local citizen who lives downriver of Solvay Specialty Polymers
Why this matters:
While the transition to EVs is celebrated for its promise of reducing carbon emissions and combating climate change, the environmental and health impacts of battery production are raising alarms.
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Colorado Gov. Polis vetoes bill ending state incentives for certain recycling techniques
Governor Jared Polis vetoed a bill that would have stopped state incentives for pyrolysis and gasification recycling projects in Colorado.
In short:
- Governor Polis rejected a bill that aimed to cut state support for advanced recycling techniques like pyrolysis and gasification.
- Proponents of the bill argue these methods are environmentally harmful and serve as a distraction from reducing plastic use.
- The bill's supporters are disappointed, believing state funds should support projects that align with climate and environmental justice goals.
Key quote:
“We should not waste taxpayer dollars incentivizing plastics-to-fuel technology that increases pollution, doesn't recycle materials and isn't economical.”
— Suzanne Jones, executive director of Eco-Cycle
Why this matters:
Pyrolysis and gasification processes are controversial, as they consume significant energy and emit pollutants. Governor Polis' decision signals a cautious endorsement of innovative recycling technologies while acknowledging the complexities and challenges involved in their implementation.
Learn more about chemical recycling.
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Wildfire readiness at Giant Mine needs significant improvement
The Giant Mine Oversight Board insists that the federal remediation project must enhance wildfire and evacuation preparedness at the Yellowknife site.
In short:
- The board highlighted the need for better contingency plans and more research into arsenic risks during wildfires.
- Despite no incidents during the last evacuation, the site was left insecure, posing safety and security risks.
- There's an ongoing push for better use of local businesses and hiring practices to benefit the community.
Why this matters:
Closed in 2004 after nearly 70 years of operation, the Yellowknife site is notorious for its 237,000 tons of arsenic trioxide dust, a lethal byproduct stored underground. Wildfires could potentially disrupt the containment systems at the site, leading to the release of toxic substances into the environment. This scenario poses a significant health hazard not just to the cleanup crews, but to the entire Yellowknife community.
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