March 13, 2018
The proposed facility is one of five proposed petrochemical plants in the Ohio Valley that would use fracked gas to make plastic. Along with a large network of proposed fracked gas pipelines along the Ohio River, the plants would make up the nation’s second largest petrochemical hub. The largest is located in southern Louisiana along the Mississippi River, in an area known as “Cancer Alley” because of the high rates of illness among nearby communities.
Ethane crackers are known to release toxic air pollution including cancer-causing benzene and other pollutants. Building out petrochemical plants would also drive an increase in fracking, and the increased air and water pollution that comes with it.
In response, Sierra Club Ohio Chapter Director Jen Miller released the following statement:
“Governor Kasich’s plan to build out a petrochemical hub in the Ohio Valley threatens to have disastrous consequences for our health and safety. This plant would subject Ohio communities to increased air pollution, not to mention the threat of fires, explosions, and other large-scale disasters. The health and safety of Ohioans and those who live downstream on the Ohio River are worth more than fracked gas industry profits.”