![Gulf Coast sees petrochemical surge, raising environmental and economic concerns](https://www.dailyclimate.org/media-library/image.jpg?id=51741721&width=1200&height=600&quality=85&coordinates=0%2C0%2C0%2C0)
Gulf Coast sees petrochemical surge, raising environmental and economic concerns
A new report highlights the rapid expansion of petrochemical facilities along the Gulf Coast, drawing billions in tax breaks despite pollution concerns.
Dylan Baddour reports for Inside Climate News.
In short:
- The Environmental Integrity Project found significant growth in plastics production facilities, with Texas leading in new developments and receiving substantial state tax abatements.
- These facilities have repeatedly violated pollution permits, yet their financial incentives remain unscathed.
- Public funds diverted to these corporations could have supported local education and public services, raising questions about the true cost of these investments.
Key quote:
"I think if companies can't obey the law they shouldn't be rewarded with taxpayer money,"
— Alexandra Shaykevich, Research Manager at the Environmental Integrity Project.
Why this matters:
A 2020 University of Texas study estimated that proposed petrochemical facilities could emit as much greenhouse gas as 131 coal-fired power plants by 2030, making up over 8% of U.S. emissions. Local residents face increased risks of exposure to air pollution, raising alarms among environmentalists and health advocates about the direction of energy infrastructure development and its implications for public health and safety
Communities of color are more likely to live at the fenceline of chemical facilities, increasing their exposure to fossil fuel and petrochemical pollution.