As the world transitions towards electric vehicles and renewable energy, the demand for fossil fuels is projected to decrease. This shift has prompted Big Oil to pivot towards plastic production, with petrochemical companies like Shell and Exxon Mobil receiving nearly $9 billion in state and local tax breaks since 2012 to build or expand 50 plastics manufacturing facilities.
The Environmental Integrity Project (EIP) released a report today revealing that most of this manufacturing activity is concentrated along the Gulf Coast of Texas and Louisiana, impacting marginalized communities. Shockingly, 84 percent of these facilities surpassed air pollutant limits over the past three years, despite promises to prioritize public health and environmental protection.
“Taxpayer subsidies are enabling dangerous and illegal air pollution in communities of color,” said Alexandra Shaykevich, EIP’s research manager. She emphasized the importance of holding these manufacturers accountable and redirecting public funds towards beneficial initiatives, such as improving schools.
In their study, EIP focused on 50 plastic plants built or expanded since 2012, highlighting the surge in demand for substances like ethylene and propylene used in manufacturing common polymers like polyethylene and polyvinyl chloride. Recycling rates remain low, with only a fraction of plastic products being repurposed.
Despite promises of economic development, tax breaks offered to these companies often fail to deliver tangible benefits to local communities. Environmental groups have raised concerns about the lack of job creation and the negative impact on public services due to diverted funds.
Furthermore, the operation of these plastic plants poses significant health and environmental risks. Ongoing emissions of nitrogen oxide, volatile organic compounds, and carcinogens like benzene and vinyl chloride contribute to poor air quality and health hazards in nearby communities.
EIP advocates for stricter air emissions standards and better enforcement of regulations to protect public health. Real-time sharing of pollution data and more transparent reporting mechanisms are essential to hold these companies accountable and safeguard affected communities.
