Pollution concerns linger years after Philadelphia refinery closes

The closure of Philadelphia's Energy Solutions refinery in 2019 did not end pollution issues for nearby communities, as industrial facilities and redevelopment projects continue to raise environmental concerns.

Jon Hurdle reports for Inside Climate News.

In short:

South and Southwest Philadelphia remain impacted by industrial pollution, including a proposed natural gas storage plant and benzene contamination at nearby facilities.
The refinery site is being redeveloped into a logistics center, potentially increasing vehicular emissions despite cleanup efforts and plans for solar energy and electric vehicles.
Advocates call for thorough removal of contaminants, warning against capping methods that could worsen groundwater pollution.

Key quote:

“The ground is so toxic they can’t grow anything, and it’s not been cleaned. I’m talking about removing all the toxic waste, and shipping it out in a safe and humane manner. That’s at least a 10-year job.”

— Mark Clincy, Philly Thrive board member

Why this matters:

Decades of industrial pollution in South Philadelphia have left a legacy of environmental injustice, with disproportionate health impacts on poor, predominantly Black communities. As redevelopment plans move forward, community advocates are keen to ensure that new projects do not perpetuate harm.

insideclimatenews.org

Credit: Natalia Arkusha/Unsplash

Worries grow in Norway as Murmansk becomes Russia's main oil export hub

Massive drone attacks this week on the major Baltic terminals of Primorsk and Ust-Luga have left Russia with few remaining routes for exporting oil, increasing reliance on the Kola Peninsula. In Norway, concerns are growing over the ecological risks posed by ageing “shadow fleet” tankers operating along the coast.

Read the Full Article on

www.thebarentsobserver.com

Pollution concerns linger years after Philadelphia refinery closes

Clean energy companies are trying to survive the Trump era

To keep climate science alive, researchers are speaking in code

Solar is winning the energy race

Tech company climate goals under pressure due to AI energy demand

Worries grow in Norway as Murmansk becomes Russia's main oil export hub

How to build a pipeline in Canada’s frozen, shifting North

How a gas price ‘expert’ is using the Iran war to mobilize Canadians against climate action

Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

One facility has emitted cancer-causing chemicals into waterways at levels up to 520% higher than legal limits.

Pennsylvania health advocates say Trump’s first 100 days in office have caused “100 harms” to local communities

“They're terrorizing these scientists because they want to keep them silent.”

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

"The reality is, we are not exposed to one chemical at a time.”

Two years into his term, has Gov. Shapiro kept his promises to regulate Pennsylvania’s fracking industry?

A new report assesses the administration’s progress and makes new recommendations

An open letter from EPA staff to the American public

“We cannot stand by and allow this to happen. We need to hold this administration accountable.”

New evidence links heavy metal pollution with wildfire retardants

“The chemical black box” that blankets wildfire-impacted areas is increasingly under scrutiny.