Search Climate Insights Directory

A CIEL analysis finds that 118 planned or underway petrochemical projects in the US could add 153.8 million metric tonnes of CO2 equivalent emissions annually, potentially increasing the sector's share of US greenhouse gas emissions from 5.2% to over 7%. The report highlights that ten megaprojects account for half of these potential emissions and that ammonia production is a significant growth area, with 95% of proposed US ammonia production derived from methane gas. Furthermore, the buildout is concentrated in already polluted areas like Louisiana's "Cancer Alley" and the Ohio River Valley, deepening environmental injustices.

The analysis evaluates the economic output, value added, labor income, and employment generated by two different coal ash remediation strategies at two power plants in the Ohio River Valley. Using IMPLAN models, the study finds that 'clean closure' scenarios consistently produce higher economic output and employment than company-proposed plans, with the vast majority of job creation occurring during the initial construction and excavation phases.

The document examines the environmental and health risks of coal ash, one of the largest industrial waste streams in the US, and advocates for 'clean closure' (full remediation and excavation) over limited cleanup plans. Using case studies from the J. M. Stuart plant in Ohio and the Sebree Generating Station in Kentucky, the authors demonstrate that comprehensive cleanup generates significantly more jobs and economic output than utility-proposed plans. The report highlights that coal ash sites disproportionately affect low-income communities and communities of color, particularly in the Ohio River Valley, and recommends stronger EPA enforcement, polluter-pays funding, and the prioritization of dislocated workers in hiring.

The report examines the hazards of coal ash disposal, particularly in the Ohio River Valley, and advocates for 'clean closure' (excavation) over 'cap-in-place' methods. Through case studies of the Sebree Generating Station in Kentucky and the J. M. Stuart Station in Ohio, the authors demonstrate that comprehensive cleanup generates significantly more jobs and economic output than utility-proposed plans. The document highlights the disproportionate impact of coal ash pollution on low-income communities and people of color, and calls for stronger EPA enforcement and state-level regulations to ensure the safe removal of toxic waste.

The Clean Air Task Force (CATF) urges Congress to implement a multi-pollutant policy to address the public health and environmental crises caused by power plant emissions. CATF proposes capping sulfur dioxide at 2 million tons per year and nitrogen oxides at 1.6 million tons per year, while requiring a 95% reduction in mercury emissions. The document highlights that current regulations are insufficient to prevent 30,000 annual premature deaths or allow ecosystem recovery from acid rain. It further argues that these pollution controls are necessary prerequisites for the effective operation of carbon capture technologies and should be linked to any free carbon allowances provided under climate legislation like the Waxman-Markey bill.

The document argues that the petrochemical industry's expansion is unsustainable and harmful, urging financial institutions to stop financing petrochemical expansion, require client transition plans, and adopt environmental justice policies. It highlights the severe health and environmental impacts in US 'sacrifice zones' and the financial risks of stranded assets.