Congressman Carter Praises EPA Action to Reduce Toxic Air Pollution

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (LA-02) praised the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announcement of a final rule that will reduce toxic air pollution from chemical plants, including ethylene oxide (EtO) and chloroprene. This action will significantly reduce emissions of pollutants both in Louisiana and nationally, including reducing chloroprene from the Denka Performance Elastomer facility in LaPlace, Louisiana, the largest source of these toxic emissions in the country.

“This announcement is a monumental step towards safeguarding public health and the environment. By slashing over 6,200 tons of toxic air pollutants annually and implementing fenceline monitoring, this addresses health risks in surrounding communities and promotes environmental justice in states like Louisiana,” said Rep. Carter. “With a substantial reduction of nearly 80 percent in emissions from covered sources, this is a significant stride towards protecting current and future generations from the harmful effects of these carcinogenic chemicals and demonstrates a path forward for communities and industry to coexist.”

This action promotes a commitment to environmental justice by slashing more than 6,200 tons of toxic air pollution each year, dramatically reducing the number of people with elevated health risks due to toxic air pollution in communities surrounding plants covered by the rule. Many of these plants have historically been located near communities of color and low-income communities. Once implemented, the rule will reduce both EtO and chloroprene emissions from covered processes and equipment by nearly 80 percent and reduce nearby cancer rates by 96%. A requirement for these facilities to conduct fenceline monitoring for key toxic chemicals is included, and EPA will make the data publicly available to better inform and safeguard communities like Louisiana’s Second Congressional District.

Learn more about the final rule here.

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