Rep. Carter Hosts EPA Administrator, Addresses Environmental Justice Needs in Louisiana
NEW proposal would reduce the number of people with elevated cancer risk by 96% in communities surrounding chemical plants, cut more than 6,000 tons of toxic pollution per year
ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST PARISH, L.A. – Today, Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-La.) hosted U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Michael S. Regan for a press conference announcing new actions to address emissions of toxic air pollution from chemical plants and reduce cancer risks from exposure to these chemicals in many communities across the country.
The new proposal secures environmental justice priorities and protects public health, including for communities that are most exposed to toxic chemicals, like St. John the Baptist Parish.
“It’s no secret that emissions in our River Parishes are more prevalent than in other parts of the United States,” said Rep. Carter. “My district includes an industrial hub of nearly 150 oil refineries, plastics plants, and chemical facilities spanning from Baton Rouge to New Orleans, but it is foremost an area that thousands of families call home. It is important that we reduce emissions from these dangerous plants to improve the quality of life for residents, raise life expectancy, and lower the risk of cancer. Environmental justice MUST be at the center of any action to address disproportionate health and environmental impacts on communities, especially communities of color. Thank you, Administrator Regan, for being on the ground and once again demonstrating that not just words, but actions, yield results. Another promise made, promise kept.”
The proposal would reduce cancer risks from breathing in toxic air pollutants that are emitted from the specific processes and equipment covered under the rules. These pollutants are linked to several cancers, including lymphoma, leukemia, breast cancer and liver cancer, among others. EPA also expects the proposal to benefit children, who are more susceptible to the effects of EtO and chloroprene.
“For generations, our most vulnerable communities have unjustly borne the burden of breathing unsafe, polluted air,” said EPA Administrator Regan. “When I visited St. John the Baptist Parish during my first Journey to Justice tour, I pledged to prioritize and protect the health and safety of this community and so many others that live in the shadows of chemical plants. I’m proud that this proposal would help deliver on that commitment and protect people from toxic air pollution in communities across the country – from Louisiana and Texas, to Kentucky, West Virginia, and Ohio. Every child in this country deserves clean air to breathe, and EPA will use every available tool to make that vision a reality.”
Background
EPA’s proposal would update several regulations that apply to chemical plants, including plants that make synthetic organic chemicals, and regulations that apply to plants that make polymers such as neoprene. The proposed updates would reduce 6,053 tons of air toxics emissions each year, which are known or suspected to cause cancer and other serious health effects.
EPA will accept written comments for 60 days after the proposal is published in the Federal Register and will hold a virtual public hearing. The Agency also will hold a training for communities on April 13, 2023, to review the proposal and answer questions. Learn more.
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