A planned Erie, Pa., plastics recycling plant draws support and opposition

A proposed Erie recycling plant that would convert plastics for reuse and steelmaking has secured a $182.6 million loan guarantee from the U.S. Department of Energy, sparking debate over its environmental and economic impact.

Julie Grant reports for The Allegheny Front.

In short:

International Recycling Group (IRG) plans to process 160,000 tons of plastic annually in Erie, selling some for recycling and using the rest to replace coal in steelmaking.
Local supporters emphasize job creation, while critics fear air pollution, traffic and potential harm to Lake Erie from plastic waste.
Environmental groups argue that recycling plastics for steelmaking perpetuates outdated technologies and could delay faster climate solutions.

Key quote:

“They’ve never been straight with the answers. They always hold us suspect, those people who care about the environment and the people in the neighborhood.”

— Art Leopold, Erie resident

Why this matters:

The project promises jobs and lower emissions but concerns about pollution and reliance on fossil fuels have led some Erie residents to question the long-term benefits. Careful oversight will be needed to ensure environmental safety and transparency.

www.alleghenyfront.org

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