· 2 min read
illuminem summarizes for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on The Washington Post or enjoy below:
🗞️ Driving the news: The U.S. Department of Justice is preparing to withdraw a significant lawsuit against Denka Performance Elastomer's petrochemical plant in LaPlace, Louisiana
• The lawsuit alleged that the plant's emissions of chloroprene, a likely carcinogen, posed an imminent danger to nearby communities
🔭 The context: Filed in February 2023 under the Biden administration, the lawsuit sought to compel Denka to reduce chloroprene emissions, which were reportedly up to 14 times higher than levels deemed safe by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
• The plant is located near predominantly Black and Latino communities, including an elementary school situated approximately 450 feet away
🌍 Why it matters for the planet: The withdrawal of this lawsuit raises concerns about environmental justice and the health impacts of industrial pollution on vulnerable communities
• Chloroprene emissions contribute to air pollution and have been linked to increased cancer risks, particularly affecting marginalized populations
⏭️ What's next: If the lawsuit is dropped, Denka may not be legally required to implement further reductions in chloroprene emissions
• This could perpetuate health risks for residents in the vicinity of the plant, potentially leading to heightened scrutiny and advocacy from environmental and public health organizations
💬 One quote: "We allege that Denka’s emissions have led to unsafe concentrations of carcinogenic chloroprene near homes and schools in St. John the Baptist Parish, Louisiana," - Associate Attorney General Vanita Gupta
📈 One stat: Air monitoring near the Denka plant found chloroprene concentrations as high as 14 times the levels recommended for a 70-year lifetime of exposure
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