The Sierra Club and partner organizations filed an appeal today challenging a key permit for a massive proposed petrochemical facility known as an “ethane cracker” in Belmont County. The plant is part of the industry’s push to steeply increase U.S. plastic production.
Hundreds of people from Cowlitz County and neighboring areas attended a public hearing held by the Port of Kalama and Cowlitz County on the proposed fracked-gas-to-methanol refinery in Kalama, WA.
(Kalama, WA) November 13, 2018—Today, a report written by the company proposing the world’s largest fracked-gas-to-methanol refinery was released by the Port of Kalama and Cowlitz County, WA. The proposed fossil fuel refinery is controversial because of the impacts on both local residents’ health and our climate. Despite the company’s claim that the refinery could result in a climate benefit, the refinery would consume a stunning amount of fracked gas—one-third as much gas as the entire state of Washington.
BOSTON--The Massachusetts House and Senate Conference Committee finalized an Environmental Bond Bill last night that did not include language banning single use plastic bags. Such language had been included in the Senate version of the bond bill.
Today, Ohio Governor John Kasich announced a new partner for a proposed ethane cracker plant in Belmont County. 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.
Boston, MA—Boston is on its way to becoming the largest city on the East Coast to pass plastic bag regulations today. Similar to that of Cambridge’s, which went into effect in March of 2016, Boston’s comprehensive law requires recycled content in paper bags, and that reusable bags be durable by having a minimum thickness. The Boston regulations also include a modest 5¢ fee on all single-use bags to encourage shoppers to bring their own bags. The retailer keeps the fee making this a minimum price not a tax.